Mental Health and You
For many years, people were reluctant to talk about their mental health issues. Then the COVID pandemic greatly increased the anxiety, depression and isolation that many people felt amid the health crisis and lock-downs. Today, mental health remains a critical public health issue. In 2024, it was estimated that 20% of adults in Los Angeles County were living with a mental health disorder. The most reported conditions included anxiety disorders (12%), depression (9%), and bipolar disorder (2.5%).
With the discord so common right now in our day-to-day lives and covered so vividly by the media, finding a healthy mind-body-spirit balance seems more difficult than ever. Here are some self-care tips from the National Institute of Mental Health to enhance your well-being and quality of life:
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep. Stick to a schedule, and reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime, since it can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Find a relaxing activity. Schedule regular times for hobbies, listening to music, reading, spending time in nature—whatever lowers your stress level and helps you relax.
- Learn to say “no.” Being over-committed can be stressful. Feel free to turn down new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of the things for which you are thankful. Keeping a gratitude journal makes it easy to remind yourself of the joys in your life.
- Stay connected. Social relationships are important for mental health and to dispel loneliness. Reach out to friends or family members who can provide you with emotional support and practical help.
Remember: Talking to your doctor is a good place to start if you are feeling increasingly overwhelmed. Your healthcare provider can give you professional advice, support or a referral to a mental health provider. If the stress in your life suddenly becomes too much to manage, call or text 988. The 988 hotline was created especially for immediate mental health support and crisis intervention. You can also visit 988lifeline.org for additional information.
