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Health Check: “Take a Moment” to Think about Your Mental Health

A WOMAN POSES in front of some graffiti representing the sun on the occasion of the observance of the World Mental Health Day on October 6, 2008.
Photo courtesy of UN Photo/Martine Perret / Dili, Timor-Leste via Flickr 

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Mental Health Awareness Month, which started in 1949, is a time to learn about and address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with poor mental health conditions.

 

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month is “Take a Moment.” It’s a great time to practice taking a pause, and spending a little time on caring for yourself, without guilt or shame. Here are some ideas on how to take a moment:

  • Call or text a trusted friend who boosts your mood.
  • Write down what’s on your mind or record it on your phone.
  • Use positive affirmations – words or phrases that you say to yourself. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never be good at this,” you could say, “I am capable of learning and improving.
  • Eat a healthy snack – the crunchier the better!
  • Move your body! Take a quick walk around the block, dance in your room, or follow along with a short exercise video.
  • Get more sleep by going to bed a little earlier.
  • Take some time to unwind – sit quietly with a warm drink, meditate, or stretch.
  • Spend time outdoors – nature can boost our mood in an instant!

 

If you are looking for more support, here are some resources from Montefiore and your community that can help:

Montefiore Behavioral Health Virtual Urgent Care

Having a tough time? Get mental health support by video:

https://www.montefiore.org/virtual-urgent-care

 

Crisis Text Line

https://www.crisistextline.org/

Connect with a volunteer crisis counselor via TEXT message. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.

 

In Person Services

Montefiore Behavioral Health Center at Westchester Square – Child and Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Program

For ages 4 and up

2527 Glebe Avenue, Bronx NY, 10461

Phone: (718) 904-4476

Adult primary care services are also available at this location.

 

Moses Campus – Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Program

For adults aged 17.5 and up

111 East 210th Street, Klau 1, Bronx NY, 10467

Phone: (718) 920-4295

 

Moses Child Outpatient Psychiatry Program

For children aged 4-17.4

3340 Bainbridge Avenue, Bronx NY, 10467

Phone: (718) 696-3011

 

On-Track New York

Adolescents and young adults ages 16-30 with early psychosis

111 East 210th Street, Klau 1, Bronx NY, 10467

Phone: (718) 920-4295

Ask to speak with the On-Track NY outreach specialist

 

Wakefield Campus Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Program

For adults aged 17.5 and up

4401 Bronx Boulevard, Bronx NY, 10470

Phone: (718) 304-7050

 

Wakefield Child Outpatient Psychiatry Program

For children aged 4-17.4 years old

4401 Bronx Boulevard, Bronx NY, 10470

Phone: (718) 304-7100

 

The “Take the Moment” campaign encourages us to participate in open dialogues, cultivate empathy and understanding, and access resources on our journey towards mental wellness. For more information about the Take a Moment campaign, check out the NAMI website here, and for more information about dealing with stressful and overwhelming situations click here.

 

Liz Spurrell-Huss, MSW MPH is a director of health equity programs at Montefiore Health System

 

 

 

Welcome to the Norwood News, a bi-weekly community newspaper that primarily serves the northwest Bronx communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, Fordham and University Heights. Through our Breaking Bronx blog, we focus on news and information for those neighborhoods, but aim to cover as much Bronx-related news as possible. Founded in 1988 by Mosholu Preservation Corporation, a not-for-profit affiliate of Montefiore Medical Center, the Norwood News began as a monthly and grew to a bi-weekly in 1994. In September 2003 the paper expanded to cover University Heights and now covers all the neighborhoods of Community District 7. The Norwood News exists to foster communication among citizens and organizations and to be a tool for neighborhood development efforts. The Norwood News runs the Bronx Youth Journalism Heard, a journalism training program for Bronx high school students. As you navigate this website, please let us know if you discover any glitches or if you have any suggestions. We’d love to hear from you. You can send e-mails to norwoodnews@norwoodnews.org or call us anytime (718) 324-4998.

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