To use photo, right click on image and save to your computer.

Phase 1: Awareness

It’s about the small steps. If you live with depression or anxiety, it can often feel like a huge hurdle to even get out of bed. Start small…drink a glass of water, listen to a favorite song. Each small step adds up. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

 Social support in any form has been proven to be good for mental health. Time spent with those that you trust and that care about you is good for everyone. Too much time on your own can make you feel lonely, so it is important to make an effort to spend time with others. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

When you are not well, you and those around you, want to help. Having to wait for a change can be hard.  You want to see results right now, yesterday, last week. But it’s a waiting game, and in the meantime have patience.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Raising a child can be challenging. Even under the best circumstances, their behaviors and emotions can change frequently and rapidly. How can you tell the difference between challenging behaviors and emotions that are a normal part of growing up and those that are cause for concern?  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Having just one person by your side can be everything. When things are going well, and when they’re not. Reach out. Text or call. It makes all the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

A moment doesn’t last forever. Moments get better. Look for a distraction until the moment passes. Think it through. Reach out for help. A helpline is just a call or text away. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Phase 2: Healthy Adults

It’s no secret that pets can contribute to our happiness. Studies show that dogs and cats especially reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and encourage exercise and improve overall health. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Phase 3: Action-oriented

Goals can do wonders for your mental health. When you achieve your goals, it can make you feel proud of yourself and boost your self-esteem. Remember that when you are setting goals for yourself, it is important to know yourself, your strengths, and limits. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Perhaps you’re not having the best week… or month… or year. You’re not alone; many people feel the same. No matter how bad it feels now, it won’t feel this way forever, so if you’ve been struggling, do little things to help you feel better – take a walk, listen to music, snuggle with a pet, reach out to the people in your world whom you know care about you. At these times, having some “go-to” coping strategies can make a huge difference.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

We’re not so different, me and you. You get sad sometimes. So do I. But we can get through and we can get help. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

When anxiety knocks at your door, it can be hard to get the day started. Start by getting your feet on the floor. Some days it only helps a little, some days it’s more. That’s ok. If you find that what you’re feeling is something a lot more serious than the typical blahs, there is help.  When you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Phase 4: Services

Wellness is more than being free from illness. The things we do and the emotions we feel all relate to our overall wellness and our actions and emotions affect our wellbeing.  Mental health care is health care. Make it a part of your weekly routine. Connecting with the right care. From the right professionals.  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

If you are a parent, a student, an employee, a caretaker, someone struggling with a mental health concern, or are just feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of day-to-day life, don’t forget to take time for yourself. And even when it feels like you are alone, there is help.  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

The health of the mind is just as important as the health of the body.  Take care of yourself by having the right people by your side. Connect with someone now. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.

Life is like a rollercoaster- it has it’s high and low moments, zooming through our lives. That’s why it’s important to reach out when life’s lows stop us in our tracks. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 211 (In CT) or Call/Text 988. Chat 988Lifeline.org. For resources visit www.preventsuicidect.org.