The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in some way, whether you had the virus yourself, or watched friends or family battle it. Add in the loneliness of social isolation and the uncertainty of what’s next, and you have a powerful, anxiety-inducing mix.
That makes this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month a perfect time to pause and assess how you prioritize your mental health. If it’s not at the top of your list, it may be time to recalibrate your priorities.
Your mental health is important because it:
Affects how you think, feel and act
Helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others and make choices
Impacts your physical health, creativity, productivity and the ability to appreciate the good in life
“Mental health encompasses all aspects of your health: mental, emotional, physical and spiritual,” says Synchronous Health Specialist Carla Ayres, LCSW. “Mental Health Awareness Month gives you a chance to think about how you’ve prioritized your mental health.
“Some ways you might make your mental health a priority include meditation, journaling, spending time with family and friends, walking, hiking or going for a bike ride,” she continues. “Our goal with the Connect with Karla program is to help you engage in all the above in a thoughtful, intentional and effective manner.”
The specialists at Synchronous Health have extensive training. They listen with empathy and help you chart a course to meet your goals. MNPS believes in the importance of offering mental health support and includes this program as a covered benefit for employees -- not just in May but every month.
If you could use some help, we’re ready to provide it through Connect with Karla. To learn more and connect with a specialist, visit sync.health/mnps or call 615-748-0625.
Connect with Karla testimonials
Here’s what a few participants had to say about the program:
“I know myself better and am better able to create and hold boundaries. I am comfortable talking about my concerns, rather than holding everything in.”
“It has changed my life completely in a positive way! I have no words but thank you.”
“It has made me see things in another way and think of things in a new manner.”
“I’m so very grateful and thankful for this program. I started several months before COVID hit and I was so much better equipped to deal with the mental stress of it.”
“I am less anxious and more able to function in everyday life.”
