Mental Health Wednesday

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Dealing With Change

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Having pets can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. For many people, pets provide a source of comfort, companionship, and even stress relief. Pets can also offer a sense of purpose, responsibility, and routine, which can be especially helpful for those struggling with mental health issues. The New Mexico Department of Health and Best Friends Animal Society say pets can be a benefit to mental health, if they are taken care of.

Research has shown that pets can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They can provide a sense of comfort and support during difficult times, and their presence alone can increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Petting a dog or cat can even lower blood pressure and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.

However, it's important to remember that having a pet is a two-way relationship. Just like humans, animals can experience stress, anxiety, and even depression. That's why it's crucial to take good care of our pets and ensure their mental and physical well-being.

Taking care of a pet includes providing them with proper nutrition, exercise, and medical care. It also means spending quality time with them, engaging in play and training, and making sure they feel loved and safe. Neglecting a pet's needs can lead to behavioral issues, health problems, and a decrease in their overall quality of life.

Furthermore, it's important to recognize the impact of overcrowded animal shelters. When shelters are full, animals may not receive the necessary care and attention they need, and some may be euthanized due to lack of space or resources. Adopting a pet from a shelter not only gives them a second chance at a loving home, but it also helps alleviate overcrowding and ensures that resources are available for those animals in need.

Pets can be incredibly beneficial for mental health, but it's important to remember that taking care of them is a two-way street. Ensuring their wellbeing is not only important for their health but also for our own happiness and enjoyment of their company. Make sure to take good care of furry friends and be mindful of the impact of overcrowded animal shelters.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.

The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.

One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.

There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.

Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola: New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.

Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.

Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.

MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information