Mental Health Toolkit

Mental wellness, or having good mental health, is vital to well-being. Good mental wellness can be protective to health and leads to improved productivity in the family, community, and workplace. According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (WHO, 2014).

Although acute stress is uncomfortable and can even be life-threatening, chronic stress is more common due to the multiple challenges we face every day. No one can live a stress-free life, but when stress begins to interfere with your ability to live a normal life and it continues for an extended period, it becomes more dangerous. The longer the stress lasts, the worse it is for both your mind and body. You might feel fatigued, unable to concentrate, or irritable for no good reason.  Additionally, people experience headaches, GI disturbances, back pain, and an increased risk of coronary disease to name a few. The impact of mental wellness on physical health, and vice versa is undeniable.

Recognizing personal behaviors that do not support health and implementing behavior changes may be the best protection available.

This handout was created to be used as a resource to help individuals evaluate themselves, much like using an asthma action plan. The goal would be to spend most of your time in the green “safety zone” to provide the most protection of your well-being. When the behaviors listed in the yellow “caution” or red “danger zone” are present, consider paying attention and adding some self-care activities.

The reverse side includes suggestions for starting a personalized self-care plan.  Other strategies or interventions may be written in the spaces provided.  Select several items that would be easy to do in your schedule every day to establish healthy habits.  Selecting items that you find enjoyable when you are feeling well would be ideal.  Revising your strategy periodically is also a good idea to stay current and to move toward the green zone on the action plan.