#mentalcarefhp

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Mental Health vs. Mental Care

This page typically refers to mental care, which is slightly different than mental health.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (Source)

Mental care, on the other hand, is what we can all do everyday so we can be more well-rounded, more balanced, and more composed. Meditation, journaling, exercise—all are things which can recharge the mind and help your brain to not be overpowered by our daily lives.

That being said, care is not a substitute for treatment. Should you find yourself needing more than what this page suggests, please seek out the help of a medical professional. Medication cannot be exchanged for books and walks outside. -CGM

[fhpgroup5-blog]

A friendly field guide blog for high school aged individuals to ask questions and get answers about their mental health. Our goal is to provide information about mental health and to reduce the stigma...

Hey! Our friends over at Your Mind Your Health also have a spectacular Tumblr blog about mental health specifically geared towards teenagers. Check it out! -CGM

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Mad Mapping

One of the most innovative self-care techniques for addressing mental disorders, illnesses, and stress is mad-mapping. This exercise forces us to ask ourselves questions, such as

What are our triggers? How do we cope with them so that we don't get lost? What has been helpful in the past and what has not been helpful? What medications have worked, which haven't and how can we come off if we don't need them anymore? How can we build the life we want to live? Who do we want to be?

Most importantly of all, these maps put you in charge of your mental health. They can help you learn to work through your battles and overcome your hurdles. The questions above make you take a hard look at yourself and answer these questions that we often don’t want to answer.

The video above is from the Icarus Project, and they have developed a wonderful intro guide to mad-mapping. You can use it as a jumping off point, as inspiration, or as a lifeline. -CGM