Brain Health Outreach
What is Brain Health?
“Brain health” is another way to talk about our collective cognitive, emotional and behavioral health. It is often used in place of “mental health.” Here’s why:
The human brain helps you think and solve problems. It controls our senses, like vision and hearing. It regulates emotions. And so much more.
Because mental illness primarily affects the brain, there is a false belief that it is something you can simply "think your way out of." This misunderstanding leads people who could benefit from treatment to suffer in silence. But by expanding the way we talk about our feelings, thoughts and behaviors, we can normalize our experiences and lessen the unfair stigma that comes with these challenges.
Replacing "mental health" with "brain health" in everyday conversations helps us recognize the biological and neurological basis for conditions like anxiety or depression. This understanding — that brain health is not so different from your physical health after all — can encourage people who are suffering to get the help they need and deserve.
Where It Hurts
Chronic stress, anxiety and other brain health challenges change the way we think and feel. They can impact our physical bodies too.
At your next visit, tell your doctor about any physical symptoms you have. And open up about emotions, thoughts and behaviors that make you suffer. No matter what is causing you pain—a doctor can help you get the right treatment!
Don’t have a primary care physician? You can still get help. Use our Find a Provider tool to find a mental health professional near you.
* If you’re experiencing serious symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath, call 9-1-1 right away—these could be signs of a medical emergency. *
Put Your Brain Health First
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults lives with a mental illness, yet less than half receive the help they need. But everyone can benefit from treatment — whether it's counseling, behavioral therapy, prescription medication, inpatient treatment or a mix of options.
Putting your brain health first offers one benefit after the other:
Find relief from the effects of brain health concerns.
Improve your self-esteem & feel more confident.
Take control of hard-to-break behaviors & habits.
Manage stress & emotions.
Good Habits Support Brain Health
Regular Exercise
Even just five minutes of exercise (walking, swimming, weightlifting, and more) can help reduce stress and combat both anxiety and depression.
Relaxation Techniques
Meditation, yoga and guided breathing exercises can help you respond to stressful situations in a healthy way. Try these guided practices for finding your calm.
Eating Right
A vitamin-rich diet is the best way to support a healthy brain. Eat more fruits and veggies, proteins and whole grains to feel the immediate mental and physical benefits of healthy eating.
Combined with professional treatment, these good habits support a healthy brain:
Do What You Love
Take time to do things that make you smile. Learn a musical instrument. Go on a nature walk. Or join a sports club.
Be There
If a friend facing a brain health challenge reaches out — listen. You don't need to give advice. Instead, tell them you care and point them towards help.
Talk
We all have our ups and downs. Opening up to a close friend, relative or professional helps you take stock of your thoughts and feelings. It helps you see things from a new perspective. And it can inspire you to make positive changes to behaviors and habits.
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Meet Pat!
Pat is our Emotional Support Llama and mascot for brain health! Not only is Pat super relatable and approachable; Pat has experienced their own mental health crisis before so they are ready to help comfort and support you through yours.
Mental health is brain health. "If you break a bone, you get a cast. If your throat is sore, you take a cough drop. And when thoughts and feelings make your daily life hard — there’s treatment for that too."
Pat even has a coloring & activity book to help introduce children to the concept of brain health. It's a great way to begin teaching your child that it's OK to not be OK and that it's OK to ask for help.
Pat is all about getting a checkup from the neck up! Use our Find a Provider tool to locate a mental health professional near you. For more resources and activities you can do with your child, please visit our Virtual Calming Room page.
Support Health Care Workers
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Help looks different for everyone. It can take the form of talking to a friend or colleague about your situation, seeking professional therapy, treating an underlying condition with medication — or a mix of these options.
Start by using our Find a Provider tool to locate professional treatment close to home. In the meantime, explore our Virtual Calming Room, where you can find short, guided practices that help you quiet your mind after a long or difficult shift.
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It’s not always easy to say how we’re feeling or where we’re struggling. But these conversations are important. Your well-being matters to your mental AND physical health. And it impacts your ability to be there for the people you care about — your colleagues, your friends and your family.
Expressing fear, pain or sorrow isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, it can be the start of better things to come! Addressing these issues with a friend or professional can help you get a good night’s rest, feel more energized, and improve your confidence.
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