Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Fall 2020

lakeregional.com 5 READY TO TALK? Start with your primary care provider. Request an appointment at lakeregional.com/appointment . Virtual visits are available. Check in with family and friends. Call them. Have a video chat. Meet with your book club using a group meeting app. Get your facts straight. Learn more about the vi- rus from reputable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov . Knowledge can ease anxiety. Celebrate small wins. Keep track of moments of grati- tude and joy. Keep to healthy daily routines as much as you can. Whatever you do for self-care, keep up with those habits. They can help you feel more in control. Move more. Exercise is a great way to improve both mental and physical health. Practice mindfulness. Be in the moment, rather than worrying about what comes next. Breathe deeply. Put free time to good use. Listen to an audiobook. Draw or paint. Make notes in a journal. Work in your garden. If these tips do not bring improvement and you are concerned you or someone close to you has a mental health disorder, seek help. “Depression and other mental health conditions are a chemical imbalance, just like diabetes or hypothyroidism,” Dr. Schwartzman says. “Be sure to share concerns with your doctor.” Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness Find help online Grief Support Group Our private Grief Support Group on Facebook is for individuals dealing with grief, whether from illness, death, divorce, loss of a home or other difficult life events. Join the group for helpful tips and articles, as well as to connect with others who want to share support. Visit facebook.com/lakeregional and click the “Groups” tab.