The month of May is generally known as the Mental Health Awareness Month, and so, I’m dedicating today’s post to share with you 10 (+1) resources that have helped me to watch and improve my mental health.
I use the word ‘resources’ quite loosely, as they are a motley group of different things.
1. The WHO Definition of Mental Health.
Mental health is a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.
– World Health Organization (WHO)
I start here because it helps to really understand what we’re working on. And this is the best, most empowering definition of mental health out there. Interacting with this definition helped me to see it as a good, positive thing worthy of my attention.
2. Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
This scripture is a lifesaver. Literally. Last year, I went through a severe case of stress and anxiety that affected me physically. The Lord Jesus used this key scripture to open the door for my healing.
3. The One-Minute Pause App
I discovered this brainchild of Christian Counsellor John Eldredge and the Wild at Heart family recently. It’s a great tool for taking scheduled pauses in the middle of your day to connect with God and reclaim your peace and strength. Bye, overwhelm, Hello Peace!
4. Pastor.ng
Hearing or reading the truth of God’s word in Pastor Bankie’s simple, practical, common-sense (and even funny) way has a way of helping me to zero in on what is true and what truly matters. And this website is choke-full of free resources.
5. What Would My Shrink Say?
This podcast hosted by Psychologists Todd Sewell and Duyen Vo gives quick, easy, real life answers to so many questions we may have on topics around emotional wellness and mental health.
6. NickWignall.com
He is hands down the best writer I have encountered on the subject of stress, anxiety, motivation, productivity and emotional intelligence.
Nick Wignall is a Clinical Psychologist and a brilliant writer. His practical, no fluff articles have been very helpful to me. If reading is your thing, Nick is your guy.
7. Are You Really Okay?
This is a book written by Debra Fileta, Faith-Forward Licensed Professional Counsellor. And it’s as real and practical as it gets on the topic of mental health from a Christian perspective.
8. The 5-Minute Journal App.
This brilliant, easy-to-use daily app (from the good guys at Intelligent Change) helps me to set my focus, record my gratitude and review my day in a very easy way. Highly recommended and very worth it.
9. Spotify Playlists
With good old Spotify, I’ve created playlists of beautiful music and also accessed the ones created by others – Hymns, Gospel, Inspiration, Fun, Dance, all kinds. Gosh! Music is the language of the soul and the right music can do wonders.
10. Psalm 23.
Also known as My Lifeline Psalm. I chew on this Psalm when I have more questions than answers, more weariness than strength, and more fear than trust. There is always power in this passage of Scripture to stabilize me through anxiety, stress, burnout, discouragement or whatever I go through. The Lord truly restores my soul.
Extra resource: Trusted People.
Not everyone may see it this way, but trusted people are a great mental health resource. Whether it’s my husband, a relative, a friend or a trained professional, having people to talk to, laugh with, depend on and even receive correction from is always a balm for my soul.
So, there you have it! 10 (+1) great resources that I have found very beneficial to my mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
I hope this encourages and empowers you to take care of your mental and emotional health in every way.
