This year Strengthening Our Community invites you to celebrate Silly Sock Day on May 12. Silly Sock Day was commemorated in 2019 as a fun way to bring awareness to the topic of Mental Wellness. Talking about mental health makes it more acceptable for those experiencing mental health challenges to seek help and get on the road to recovery. It improves communities by promoting awareness and reducing stigma. In addition, mental health does not just involve mental illness, but it also involves maintaining a positive state of wellbeing. Show your support of mental health awareness on May 12 by wearing silly socks or gifting a pair of socks. Both silly socks or SOC Suicide Prevention socks are available for purchase at Lavender Lane. By gifting someone a pair of socks on this day, it means “you are cared about and you are not alone” just as a sock creates comfort and comes in pairs. Also, show us how you support mental health awareness by posting a picture or comment, #sillysocday, on Facebook @SOCWAGNER

According to the CDC, 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 healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being. (CDC.gov)

Mental illness is among the most common health conditions in the United States. It including depression and anxiety, as well as more serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Poor mental health can lead to other physical health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

What can you do to promote mental health and wellbeing?

• Practice mindfulness: take deep breaths, stretch or meditate

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals

• Be physically active

• Get plenty of sleep

• Spend time outdoors. Nature produces a sense of awe, which is a positive emotion and great stress buster.

• Connect with others you trust.

• Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy

• Take breaks from watching, reading and listening to news stories and social media.

• Choose not to drink alcohol or drink in moderation (2 drinks or less in a day for men and 1 drink or less per day for women)

• Avoid misusing prescription opioids and avoid using illicit opioids.

• Avoid smoking and the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes

• Access mental health care and resources if you need them.

o In an emergency Call 911

o National Suicide Prevention hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English or 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish

o Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling

o Wagner Community Memorial Hospital-Avera 384-3611, Wagner Community Clinic – Avera 384-3418, or Indian Health Service 384-3621.