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 overloaded. 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.
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
Younger Children 
Older Children & Pre-Teens 
Teens
Adults
Older Adults
1 Signs of mental health challenges courtesy of WebMD.
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:
Tap the icons below to see how to strengthen your well-being.
Working out
Being physically active can reduce stress and tension, and improve your mood, among other benefits. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day. Activities like playing with your children or taking the stairs instead of the elevator all count.
2https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
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.
1-Minute Stress Busters
15-Minute Stress Busters
30-Minute Stress Busters
1-Hour+ Stress Busters
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
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
Mental health professionals aren’t just for anxiety or depression. They can provide support for a lot of other challenges:4
4https://www.mhanational.org/get-professional-help-if-you-need-it
Mental health support can vary depending upon personal preferences, symptoms, history, and many other factors.
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.
• Just stay positive!
• Just cheer up.
• Things could be worse.
• Relax, it’ll pass.
• Good vibes only.
• You’ll get over it.
• 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 ResourcesCOVID-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.
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.
Some communities continue to be hit harder by the pandemic. Click on the images below to see the help that is available.
First Responders
College Students
BIPOC Communities
Essential Workers
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.
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