WALDROP: Exercising our own physical and mental health

Mental Health America of Augusta (previously known as Mental Health Association of Augusta), a United Way agency, announced its 55th annual emphasis on “May is Mental Health Month.” Its goal is to raise public awareness about mental illness and the importance of promoting mental wellness for everyone. This year’s theme was “Live your life well.” According to Donna Gum, executive director of the association, there are 10 tools that can help us do just that. We conclude our series today with the last two of them.

9. Get physically active: Sports psychologists tell us that stress can work for us instead of against us. Likewise, a country proverb says, “I’m going to have to walk around the barn on that one.” Another says, “I’ll have to chop down the old oak tree before I make a decision about that.” This is mental health in real life. Physical exercise, within one’s limits, can relax muscle tension, bring about more restful sleep, lighten a burdened or cranky mood, and increase one’s energy level and strength, as well as supplementing a weight loss diet.

Using such stress for exercise provides time to think through important decisions before acting rashly. It can also help us feel better about the decisions we reach. And, no, we don’t have to walk around a barn or chop down a tree. There’s gardening, washing the car, walking with a friend, or yards games like badminton or volleyball. These activities can bring stress relief, sound sleep, improved emotional mood, more strength, higher energy, better decisions and the personal satisfaction of taking the initiative to get physically active. How? Just put one foot in front of the other several extra times a day, perhaps with a friend. Who knows where you will end up? Wherever that is, you will probably be in better shape, mentally and physically.

10. Get professional help if you need it: This may be the hardest “tool” of all because of the usual barriers we throw up to making that phone call. For some, it is an emotional combination of pride, embarrassment and fear that fuels their resistance. Others assume that they cannot afford it financially. By far, those who have asked for and received the necessary professional help have not regretted it. They would tell us that their alleged “barriers” could not hold back water, much less their own desire to improve their lives.

So there they are: 10 tools that can help you “Live Your Life Well.” And there’s an entire week-end left in “May is Mental Health Month.” So, take your choice. Where would you like to begin today?

Mental Health America of Augusta is a chapter of a nationwide non-profit, non-governmental volunteer organization that provides information and referral services, pro-bono counseling and a mental health directory of professional counselors. Programs include the “Pearl of Happiness,” designed to enhance the self-esteem of fourth graders; “Year-One-for Newlyweds”; a support group for persons with bi-polar disorder; and an outreach program for persons experiencing bereavement. They also offer parenting programs in conjunction with the Central Shenandoah Valley Office on Youth, another United Way Agency. Workshop topics include: parenting, divorce, domestic violence, money management, alcohol and drug addiction, and many others.

Mental Health America of Augusta, located in the Professional Building, Room 206 in Staunton. Gum may be reached at 949-0169; 886-7181; or e-mailed at . Their Web site is http://www.mha-augusta.org. The Central Shenandoah Valley Office on youth, with locations in Staunton and Waynesboro, can be reached at 942-6757.