Checking In on Your
Mental Health

Every day, people face worries and stress that can affect mental health. While everyday stressors are a part of life, they can often make us feel overwhelmed. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself. If you are struggling, learn more about self-help or professional mental health support. You deserve resources that work best for you. Because your mental health is health.

Knowing the Signs of Mental
Health Challenges

A mental health challenge is anything that affects thinking, emotions, behaviors, or mood. Signs of mental health challenges vary across age groups. These challenges can impact day-to-day living and how we interact with others. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the signs below for more than two weeks, consider getting more information and help.1






1 Signs of mental health challenges courtesy of WebMD.

Caring for Your Mental Health

From Self-Help to Outside Support

Self-help (or self-care) is our way of maintaining a healthy relationship with our body and mind. While self-help can be much needed when you’re having a bad day,2 outside support may be necessary to help symptoms that last two weeks or more. Some things you can do to practice self-help include:

ClickTap the icons below to see how to strengthen your well-being.

2https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Quick Ways to Support Your Mental Health With Self-Help

Practicing self-care for just a few minutes a day can help relieve stress. Taking care of our mind and our bodies with these activities can have big benefits.

Treat your body like it’s your best friend. If you’re feeling sad or tired, it could be your body asking for help. Remember that you can reach out and seek support that’s right for you.

3 https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-4-7-8-breathing-5204438

Seeking Outside Support for Your Mental Health


While practicing self-help during a rough day can be helpful, remember that you don’t have to struggle on your own. Many challenges call for outside support like therapy. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors, can help you manage your challenges and stay on track when you need it most.

Find Mental Health Resources

Outside Support Can
Help Many Needs


Mental health professionals aren’t just for anxiety or depression. They can provide support for a lot of other challenges:4

  • Set goals if you are feeling lost.
  • Identify habits that are holding you back.
  • Raise self-confidence.
  • Start new, healthier habits.

4https://www.mhanational.org/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it

Ways to Find Outside Support for Your Mental Health

Mental health support can vary depending upon personal preferences, symptoms, history, and many other factors.

The Effects of Toxic Positivity on Your Mental Health


How many times have you heard “just cheer up” or “things could be worse”? These are examples of toxic positivity. It’s when family, friends, or coworkers deny real feelings. Even though toxic positivity isn’t always on purpose, it can be hurtful. Many times, it can stop people from finding support like therapy. Learn to spot toxic positivity, and replace it with supportive examples below.

Toxic Positivity

• Just stay positive!

• Just cheer up.

• Things could be worse.

• Relax, it’ll pass.

• Good vibes only.

• You’ll get over it.

Validation & Hope

• It’s ok to feel bad sometimes.

• How can I support you?

• This must be difficult.

• Your feelings are valid.

• I’m listening.

• I understand.

All emotions are valid. If you ever experience toxic positivity, be honest and let them know what you’d like to hear. If your loved ones are opening up to you, try asking them what type of support they’d like. If more support is needed, therapy or other professional mental health support could be helpful.

Find Mental Health Resources

COVID-19 & Mental Health


COVID-19 continues to make many of us feel burned out or overwhelmed. If you or someone you know is showing signs of stress, anxiety, or depression, or is struggling with substance use, the tips and resources below can help.

Prioritizing Mental Health in the Next Normal

COVID-19 changed how many of us go about our lives. Swipe through to explore tips for adapting to these changes, and find resources that can help ease stress.

Communities With Higher Mental Health Stress

Some communities continue to be hit harder by the pandemic. Click on the images below to see the help that is available.

First Responders

First Responders

Feeling burned out from working through COVID-19? Get the support you or someone you know needs from Fire Captain Ryan J. Mitchell’s First Responders Behavioral Health Program. The program offers a confidential peer-to-peer hotline, behavioral health support services, and aid for substance use disorders.

College Students

College Students

School is demanding enough, but attending college during times of high rates of COVID-19 cases can increase stress and anxiety. This flier has tips to help you stay safe and find support.

BIPOC Communities

BIPOC Communities

COVID-19 has affected Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and Asian American Pacific Islander communities more than others. This can raise feelings of frustration and fear. Find support dedicated to serving specific needs of yourself or someone you know in this list of mental health resources.

Essential Workers

Essential Workers

Grocery store clerks, servers, delivery drivers, teachers, caregivers, and more have kept us going during the various waves of COVID-19. Many feel extra stress, anxiety, and depression from worrying about exposure, financial uncertainty, and long work hours. These challenges can continue for a number of years Reach out for support for yourself or an essential worker you know.

Help End Stigma Around Mental Health

Stigma refers to judgments or inaccurate beliefs that people might have about a specific group of people. People with mental health challenges sometimes face discrimination because of the stigma around mental health.

Scroll through the images below to see how you can fight back against mental health stigma.