Make your mental health a priority in the New Year

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (December 7, 2022) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is encouraging the community to make mental health a priority coming into the New Year. Please use the following tips to focus on your emotional well-being in 2023:

Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and avoid self-criticism. Harsh criticisms can rob us of happiness and increase stress levels. Instead, focus on your hobbies, start a fun project, or even learn how to do something new.

Take care of your body: A big part of mental health is related to your physical health. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, eating health-conscious meals, exercising throughout the week, and getting enough sleep.

Confront stress: Stress is a natural part of life. Practicing good coping skills can help alleviate overwhelming feelings. Take a walk, play with your pet, or even write in a journal. Research has also shown laughter can not only boost your immune system, but also ease pain, relax your body, and reduce stress.

Switch your routine: While it is important to maintain a routine, sometimes the monotony can leave use feeling bored and unenergized. Rather than completely changing your routine, change just the small aspects. If you take daily walks, consider altering your route. Write a letter to a friend instead of emailing or texting them. Making small adjustments can break up repetitiveness, rejuvenating our minds.

Get help: It’s important to know when and where to get help. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), warning signs can include the inability to carry out daily tasks, feeling excessively down or low, experiencing extreme mood changes, isolating from friends and family, and more.

OCHN is a key resource in connecting individuals to mental health services. Contact OCHN’s Access department by calling 248-464-6363 or by visiting oaklandchn.org.

If you’re facing a crisis, contact the Resource and Crisis Center by calling: 800-231-1127.

The Resource and Crisis Center is located at: 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 32E, Pontiac, MI 48341.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network that assists approximately 27,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

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