Mental Well-Being

Our mental health directly influences how we think, feel and act: it also affects our physical health. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about mental health and types of mental illness.

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient. Check out these resources from the CDC that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed, but hearing the news constantly can be upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
• Take care of your body.
  • Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
  • Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
  • Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail 

DHS is committed to the well-being of all employees and their family members. This commitment includes engaging the DHS workforce in the important work of suicide prevention. Suicide prevention is a national public health concern, and everyone has a role to play.

Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness and how you can put it in to practice in your daily life.

Check out these additional resources for Mental Well-being:

• MentalHealth.gov
• Alcohol and Public Health (CDC)
• Marijuana and Public Health (CDC)
• Opioid Overdose (CDC)
• Tobacco Prevention (CDC)

Find information for specific groups.

• Addiction Treatment Resources (CDC)
• Children’s Mental Health (CDC)
• Adult Mental Health (CDC)
• Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event (CDC)
• Public Health & Health Professionals (CDC)

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs created several mobile apps that offer tools to help you focus on your mental health. These apps include tools for managing insomnia, practicing mindfulness, exploring physical fitness, smoking cessation, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, and more.

To learn more and access these apps visit, VA Mobile Apps - My HealtheVet.

Note: The information shared in these apps is secure, meaning no identifiable data can be accessed, stored, or shared by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs or third parties.