Graycor values the health and safety of our people and our partners and recognizes the impact that mental health plays in enjoying a good quality of life. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which emphasizes the importance of caring for our emotional, psychological and social well-being which affect our thoughts, feelings and actions. In a nutshell, mental health determines how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices in life.

Ways to maintain/improve positive mental health include:

  • Connecting with others
  • Staying positive
  • Getting physically active
  • Helping others
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Developing coping skills
  • Seeking professional help if you need it

All of us have experienced natural changes in our emotional state. However, professional assistance may be needed if such changes are affecting the person’s quality of life. Unfortunately, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports the average delay between symptom onset and treatment is 11 years. It is important to seek for help if you or your loved one(s) experience one or more of the following feelings or behaviors:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Smoking, or drinking more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Thinking of harming yourself or others
  • Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Learn more about specific mental health problems here. You can also watch this video.

Where to Get Help
Practicing good habits such as connecting with others, exercising, eating healthy and getting enough sleep can positively impact your mental health. However, all of us may experience changes in the way we feel or behave as a result of life’s challenges. When that happens, please know that you (or your loved one(s)) are not alone and reaching out or seeking help is not a weakness! Resources if you or someone you know needs help:

  1. EDUCATION:
    Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step.

  2. BEHAVIORAL SCREENING:
    Screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. You can access to a FREE, fast, and confidential behavioral screening through this link.
  3. NAMI HELPLINE:
    Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI HelpLine) to find out what services and supports are available in your community.
  4. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE:
    If you or someone you know needs helps now, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911.

    WRITTEN BY GRAYCOR’S DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) COUNCIL

    DEI Vision: Create a workplace that mirrors the diversity of the communities where we live and work. Provide a work environment where all employees feel safe and respected, are able to thrive, and embrace and leverage their diverse and unique backgrounds, talents and interests to advance the business.

    DEI Council Purpose: Identify and integrate best practices for diversity, equity and inclusion into our work culture. The DEI Council serves as an advisory body to the Executive Team. The Council provides research, recommendations, event support and policy guidance.