May is Mental Health Month, making this a most appropriate time to consider suggestions for establishing and maintaining mental health. The world around us can be both positive and negative – bringing joy and sadness, hope and anxiety.

Look around, and look within: Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and other community resources? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? 

Factors such as these can affect our mental health. Where we are born, live, learn, work, play and gather – in addition to our economic stability and social connections – all influence “Social Determinants of Health” (SDOH). The more SDOH factors work in our favor, the likelier we are to possess mental well-being. Conversely, when it seems like the world is working against us, the more our mental health may suffer. 

While many aspects of our environment are beyond our control, there are steps we can take to change our space and protect our well-being. 

One is housing. Safe, stable housing is a vital piece of the SDOH landscape. While financial stability, age and other factors dictate our living situations, there are places to seek assistance. State and local agencies, for example, help clients secure safe, healthy and livable housing arrangements. 

Once appropriate housing is secured, consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly, and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive. 

Next, bond with your community members by getting to know the neighbors, joining (or even spearheading) neighbors-helping-neighbors group, and patronizing local businesses.

Connect with nature by hiking, sitting in a city park, or simply bringing a plant inside and or keep the shades open to absorb natural light. 

If you’re taking steps to improve your physical surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. If you feel as though you are unable to maintain your mental health, numerous screening and treatment options are available in person and by phone or text.  

Ozark Center Crisis Intervention Services and its 988 crisis line offer 24/7 day per week services. Call 417.347.7720 or 800.247.0661 to speak to a mental health professional now. Translation and TTY/TDD services are available. For messaging service, text REGISTER to 720-7-TXTOZK (720.789.8695).

You can also visit Urgent Behavioral Solutions at 3230 Wisconsin Ave Suite A, in Joplin, provides mental health services 7 days a week and into the evenings. Walk-in services are offered during the week at most Ozark Center outpatient locations.

For more information, visit ozarkcenter.com.