Taking Care of Your Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a good time to remember that mental health struggles are common. If you are struggling with your mental health, you are definitely not alone.  

From professional athletes to the amateur golfer and the average American, mental health challenges can impact anyone. And when you are a golfer, that means your game might also suffer. 

To ensure that you maintain good mental health, Middlesex Health’s Beit Paley Center recommends:

• Staying relaxed. Get ample sleep and eat healthy. Use breathwork, a form of mindful breathing, to help calm your nervous system.  
• Staying focused. Be sure to combat fatigue, which can negatively impact your focus. You can do this by taking a yoga class, meditating or getting a massage! 
• Managing your emotions. Do your breathwork, or use distancing language when you are frustrated. (Talk  to yourself in third person to help soothe the emotional part of your brain!) 
• Searching for other ways to manage your stress. Connect with family and friends, read a good book or listen to music!  

Get Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help If you are having a difficult time managing stress, anxiety or depression. Everyone needs a little help (or a listening ear) every once in a while!  

You should specifically ask for help if you experience significant changes in mood, thoughts and behaviors, and if those changes interfere with your everyday life. This may create problems in different areas of your life, such as with relationships or at work. It can even complicate things on the golf course.

Middlesex Health’s goal is to help individuals face and overcome challenges related to mental and emotional health; substance abuse and recovery and identity. It provides both inpatient and outpatient services for children, adolescents and adults. 

For more information, click here.