Taking Charge of Your Mental Health

1 Taking Charge of your Mental Health FIND THE RIGHT SPECIALIST. Ask your doctor or nurse to help you DON'T FORGET! nd a specialist and make your rst appointment > Surround yourself with family and friends There may be a long wait for your rst > Talk to a counselor, social visit, so speak up if you need to see worker, nurse or trusted someone right away adult > Continue doing what If the rst Mental Health specialist you love: reading, sports, you see isn't a good t, keep looking writing, nature walks, for one who works for you creating art MAKE your FIRST APPOINTMENT COUNT. NAVIGATING. your INSURANCE. Be ready to talk about You may be asked to ll out a your Health history and questionnaire describing your Involve someone with what you're experiencing Mental Health experience experience to help you Call your insurance company i to ask what Mental Health bene ts are covered Be clear about Ask the Mental Health To nd a provider, visit your what you want specialist to explain treatment insurer's website or call the and need to get options so you understand the number on your insurance card better plan and what you need to do ASK QUESTIONS.

2 If I have thoughts that scare Do I have to take me what should I do? medication? What does it help with? What are the side effects? How often should we meet? What can I do between appointments if How long will it take for I need help? me to feel better, a few days, weeks or months? STAY INVOLVED. Keep a wellness Ask for changes if Stick with it; most your treatment plan log and monitor your treatment therapies and may change, so be your progress plan is not working medications take an active partner in for you time to work this process LIVE WELL. Remember that you have control over living well GETTING THROUGH IT. Find a routine that works for you that includes a healthy diet, exercise and regular sleep patterns > Try staying away from drugs and alcohol.

3 This is not always easy, so nd strategies that work. Using drugs or alcohol to feel better is harmful to you. Stay close to your support network. Engage family, friends, teammates > If you use alcohol or drugs, be honest and tell your and your faith community. Think therapist or doctor because it affects your care plan. about joining an online community > Stay positive. Surround yourself with positive Be realistic and mindful of your needs messages, people and activities. This will help you to feel better. and know your limits Follow Us! NAMI NAMI communicate NAMI communicat