This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The
global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental
health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of
individuals and communities.


Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental
Health Month MINES is highlighting tools and resources that can help you or anyone grappling with a mental health concern find resources and get connected to help, including what individuals can do throughout their daily
lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19.


Throughout the pandemic, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges found themselves
struggling for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on different topics that can help process the
events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend
beyond COVID-19.


We know that the past year forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over. If you
found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone. In fact, of the almost half a million individuals that took
the anxiety screening at MHAscreening.org, 79% showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. However, there
are practical tools that can help improve your mental health. We are focused on managing anger and frustration,
recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns, and making
time to take care of yourself.


It’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time.
Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the
past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis.
A great starting point for anyone who is ready to start prioritizing their mental health is to take a mental health
screening at MHAscreening.org. It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and
begin finding hope and healing.


Ultimately, during this month of May, MINES wants to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and
recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and
downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Of course, if MINES is your EAP we are here 24 hours a day to help support your wellness, help you build your mental health toolset, and find ways to enhance your work/life balance. Call us anytime at 1-800-873-7138 for more information or to get connected to your Employee Assistance Program services!

Resources

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Referral Helpline
    • 1-800-662-HELP
  • National Institute for Mental Health – nimh.nih.gov
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – nami.org
  • Mental Health America – mentalhealthamerica.net
  • Mental Health America of Colorado – www.mhacolorado.org/gethelp
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America – adaa.org
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance – dbsalliance.org
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – suicidepreventionlifeline.org
    • 1-800-273-8255
  • First Responder Crisis Text Line
    • Text “Badge” to 741741
  • Military/Veterans Crisis Line/Resources
    • Online Chat: Visit the website at www.veteranscrisisline.net
    • Call: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1)
    • Text: 838255
  • National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention – actionallianceforsuicideprevention.org
  • United Way- unitedway.org/local/united-states/
  • Ways to help spread the message – www.mhanational.org/may.

SAMHSA

  • Help and Treatment
    • samhsa.gov/find-help
  • Child mental health resources
    • samhsa.gov/children/awareness-day/2018/resource-list-traumatic-stress

More MINES resources

  • Mental health month resources – https://minesblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/01/mental-health-month-resources/
  • Covid and Mental Health Infographic – https://minesblog.wordpress.com/2020/05/01/covid19-and-mental-health-infographic/

To your wellbeing,

– The MINES Team