Your surroundings say a lot about your mental health
May is Mental Health Month so we’re taking a closer look at our surroundings and how it affects our mental health. This week we’ll focus on small steps we can take in our communities to improve our mental wellbeing.
Did you know that your ZIP code plays a role in your health? It might surprise you to learn that up to 60% of your health is determined by where you live. Your neighborhood, along with your town and larger geographical region, affects your sense of community and belonging, and determines how easily you can access the things and services you need, including for your mental health.
Get to know your neighbors. The people living around you can be a big help when you need something. You can support each other with carpools, running errands, or sharing resources.
Connect with a group in your area where community members share and exchange services. You may be able to find a local group on Facebook or Nextdoor group focused on community support.
Support local businesses. Locally owned businesses – from coffee shops to grocery stores to home services – keep communities going. By shopping locally, you help them stay open.
If you’re taking steps to improve your surroundings but are still struggling with your mental health, you may be experiencing signs of a mental health condition. Take a free, private screening at mhascreening.org to help you figure out what is going on and determine next steps.
GE Appliances also offers a number of resources to support your mental health