Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health and Accessing Services in North Carolina –

World Mental Health Day, celebrated annually on October 10, is a global opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote support for mental wellbeing. This year, it's more important than ever to recognize how important mental health is to overall well-being. With increasing stressors in daily life, it is important to find ways to take care of your mental health. Here are some practical tips for maintaining mental well-being:

1. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Taking time to practice mindfulness every day can reduce stress and promote mental clarity. Meditation or breathing exercises can help ease anxiety and stay grounded. Start with just a few minutes a day to center yourself and gradually increase the practice.

2. Stay physically active

Exercise has been proven to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Whether it's a walk around the block, a yoga class, or an intense workout, regular physical activity helps release endorphins that lift your mood.

3. Get enough sleep

A consistent sleep routine is essential for mental health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and create a calming bedtime ritual that allows your body and mind to wind down.

4. Stay connected

Maintaining healthy relationships is vital to mental health. Reach out to friends, family, or a support network to share your feelings and experiences. The connection promotes a sense of belonging and support.

5. Set realistic goals

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of life. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable goals and prioritize what's really important. This way you can reduce stress and give yourself a sense of achievement.

6. Seek professional help

There is no shame in asking for help. Mental health professionals such as therapists or counselors can provide advice and support in coping with mental illness.

Accessing Mental Health Services in North Carolina

In Bladen County and other counties in North Carolina, access to mental health services is more accessible thanks to Trillium Health Resources. From July 1, 2024 Trillium Health Resources started operations Tailored plan for behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities. This plan manages both behavioral and physical health services for individuals enrolled in NC Medicaid with serious mental illness, serious substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and members of the NC Innovations Waiver Program.

For residents of Bladen County and surrounding areas, Trillium offers a range of services to address specific healthcare needs including:

• Physical health and pharmacy services for Medicaid members.
• Non-emergency medical transport Help.
• Access to one Nurse line for non-urgent, health-related inquiries.
• Physical health prevention programs that address community health issues such as weight control, diabetes, and heart health.

Additional resources:

• Trillium offers Trillium advantagea value-added service that covers options such as gym memberships and cell phones that are not typically available through Medicaid.

For more information about accessing mental health services through Trillium Health Resources, please visit their website at trilliumhealthresources.org/tailored-plan. Additionally, you can follow their Facebook page to get the latest updates or attend their upcoming online member information sessions to get answers to your questions.