Valley’s Director of Well-Being, Dani Dutro, LMHC, offers monthly “Well-Being Wednesday” seminars for Valley staff. Recently she shared “Healthy Habits for Your Mental Health.” While initially the video was created for staff, we’re sharing on the We Are Valley blog as these tips are particularly helpful during the dark winter months in the Pacific Northwest.
“Depression, especially as we’re talking about it (during this seminar) doesn’t have to have a capital “D” as in it isn’t always a diagnosed mental health condition but is also a mood state,” Dutro said.*
Coping strategies outlined in the seminar include:
- Light therapy
- Brightening up your space
- Creating/sticking to a routine
- Moving more
- Getting outside
- Practicing meditation and gratitude
- Connecting with friends and loved ones
- Asking for help when you need
*If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately. If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can chat at 988lifeline.org.
