Prioritizing Your Mental Health: Best Tips from our Experts

Challenging times can take a toll on your emotional well-being. If you're looking to improve your mental health but don't know where to start, our experts can help. Read their best tips to prioritize mental health for both you and your family.

Taylor Gulley, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at CaroMont Family Medicine at Gaston Day

"This year, begin to recognize what is known as ‘self-talk.’ You may not realize it, but you talk to yourself every day. And often, we don’t realize that we are speaking to ourselves in a very negative way. Give yourself permission to recognize and listen to what that voice says and how it says it. Is it congratulatory and uplifting or is it criticizing and harsh? Also, where did these words and statements come from? Ourselves? Someone else? Childhood? How valid are they? Paying attention and recognizing that voice can help you challenge those words and begin to replace them with more supportive and realistic ones."

Ashtin Dicochea, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at South Point Family Practice

"Focus on being present. How many times a day do you think or say ‘I should be doing ____.’ We all can get wrapped up in endless to-do lists and all those things we feel need attention that we forget to fully connect with what we are doing in the moment. Over time, this can have a negative impact on our mental health. Taking breaks from the 'should be' thinking can make you more productive and more focused, so I recommend finding time daily to slow down, re-center on what is happening in the moment and remove the guilt from your thoughts."

Scott Greene, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor at CaroMont Pediatric Partners

“In adults, typical anxious or depressive behavior can look like any of the following: lack of interest in things that were once enjoyed, social withdrawal, excessive worry, over-thinking or sleep disruption. Because children are really small adults, their symptoms are similar but will often be more 'kid-like' in presentation. Older children and teens that fall into anxious or depressed behavior often start withdrawing from everyday interaction by spending more time in their rooms or more time alone. Children express their emotions through behavior or moods, so as a parent, recognizing these shifts can help you better address the situation and seek the professional support you or your child may need.”