Mental Health Awareness: We are all in this together

In November, Land Title will be Donating to Mental Health Colorado

Feeling stressed or anxious? You are not alone.

According to a recent Mental Health America report, depression has increased by 62% among adults this year, and most of the needs remain unmet.

And, the CDC conducted a survey of more than 5,400 adults in late June and found 41% said they had struggled with a mental or behavioral health problem since April.

During the month of November, Land Title will be donating a portion of the closing fee from every closing to support Mental Health Colorado, the State’s leading advocate for mental health wellness. The goal is to underscore that we are all in this together, and that there are more resources than ever to help people get the support they need for themselves and their loved ones.

According to Mental Health Colorado, it is possible to “reprogram” our brains to be healthier through simple daily exercises that are repeated over a few weeks. Here are their suggestions

• Write down three things you are grateful for each morning. This helps to train your brain to search for the positive.
• Meditate daily to practice not getting distracted by negativity. Try deep breathing for two minutes.
• Read at least 10 pages of a good book every day.
• Exercise for a minimum of 15 minutes daily. A brisk walk is great for your body and mind!
• Perform a random act of kindness. Ideas include a simple text message to encourage a co-worker or send a care package to a loved one.

Other tips and advice to feel better and reduce stress include:

• Talk it out. Whether it’s with a friend, relative, or therapist, talking is one of the best ways to feel better.
• Get some sunshine! Good news for Colorado, our 300 days of sunshine each year help make that very attainable.
• Volunteer your time. Helping others gives us a sense of purpose, ignites passion, reduces stress, and combats feelings of isolation.
• Look for ways to have social closeness – while still keeping socially distant. Schedule a regular video call or phone call with friends and family.
• Be conscious of your use of potentially harmful substances. Colorado has one of the highest rates of binge drinking in the United States. Across the country, alcohol sales increased by 55% in March. Bottomline: be on guard and aware of your vulnerability when it comes to these substances.
• Get involved in mental health advocacy. Mental health should be everyone’s priority. From before birth and well into old age, mental health is key if we are to thrive. Now is a great time to get involved and be a voice for healthier minds. Reach out to Mental Health Colorado to learn about ways to get involved.

If you feel like you need more support, visit mentalhealthcolorado.org and click on the “Resource” page. If you are more seriously concerned about your own mental health or that of someone close to you, you can call the Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255.

Land Title is helping to raise awareness about the importance of mental health by making a donation from all closings during the month of November.