World Mental Health Day is about raising awareness surrounding mental health and understanding the importance of taking care of our own mental health. It is also a day to empower other individuals to look after their own mental health. The Northeast Service Cooperative is partnering with local, regional, and statewide agencies to promote mental health & well-being for the communities and members we serve. We understand the pandemic increased burden and strain on individuals, families, and our communities the past couple of years and we are dedicated to serving with open hands and compassionate hearts during this time of coming back together stronger than ever.  Here are some things you can do this World Mental Health Day:

• Check in with a friend. Call, text, or even send a card to a friend or loved one. Sending a kind message, and simply checking in shows you care and are available for support.
• Practice self-care. Make a list of things you could benefit from doing, such as spending time outside, having coffee with a friend, doing nothing, reading a book, or organizing. Whatever you need, take some time for you.
• Practicing gratitude. Over the years, studies have established that practicing gratitude allows us to handle stress better.
• Create a self-care plan of action for the week. Create a list for the week of things you can do daily to take care of your mental health.
• Educate yourself. Take some time to read about different mental illnesses, their signs and symptoms, and treatments. This will help you understand the challenges that someone may be facing.
• Talk openly about mental health. Stigma can take time to overcome, but the more we talk about our own daily struggles with mental health we may be experiencing, the more we can work to decrease stigma. Remind people that taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.
• Volunteer. Find an organization that supports mental health locally and see how you can get involved in volunteering.
• Reach out. If you are struggling, reach out to a friend, family member, or a professional for additional support.