01 May May is Mental Health Month!
III-A Wellness Challenge – May 1st
Focus on different ways each day to be mindful and increase calmness, focus, and gratitude.
- Directions: Beginning May 1st, put a checkmark on every day you complete the mindful moment.
- Prize: All participants will be entered into a drawing, and 5 winners will receive a $25 visa gift card.
- To Win: Turn in a copy of your completed tracking board to [email protected] by Monday, May 20th.
Get the tracking board here. Sign up for emails here if you are not already.
Tips for Maintaining Good Mental Health
Mental health is essential to overall well-being, impacting individuals, families, and communities. We encourage our members to take action toward protecting your mental health and overall well-being. We encourage you to participate and utilize your benefits and resources to best support you and your family. One in five people will experience a mental health condition in any given year.
Stay Active: Boost your mood and energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
Practice Mindfulness: Meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
Eat a Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support your mental health by providing essential nutrients and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can negatively impact your mood and sleep quality. Try to moderate your intake.
Stay Connected: Maintain strong relationships with friends and family members. Social support is important for mental health and can provide a sense of belonging and connection.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or obligations that drain your energy or cause stress. Setting boundaries can help protect your mental health and prioritize self-care.
Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can provide valuable support and guidance.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges.
BENEFIT REMINDER! Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
Visit iii-a.org/find-a-provider or scan the QR code to schedule your EAP visit today (password: IIIABenefits2011). It’s quick, private, and each household member gets 10 visits, per issue, per year.
Oral Health Impacts on Mental Health
The connection between oral health and mental health is a two-way street. Much like how poor mental health can lead to poor oral health outcomes, poor oral health can also worsen existing mental health problems:
- Some dental problems affect speech, leading to anxiety in social settings
- Chronic bad breath can also lead to anxiety in social settings
- Tooth loss is more likely to occur in individuals with mental disorders
- This can lead to a negative self-image and decreased desire to do things they enjoy
- Pain associated with certain dental diseases can negatively affect one’s quality of life
Wellness Wednesday Webinar
Suicide Prevention and Intervention | May 15, 2024
- Learn practical intervention techniques
- Understand the myths and reasons behind suicide
- Assess the lethality of the suicidal person
- Learn methods and questions to assess and assist the suicidal person to help them deescalate