Learn how to care for your mind, body Published May 13, 2014 By Capt. Matthew Willerick 92nd Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Chief FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- This May is Mental Health Month and the Fairchild AFB Mental Health Clinic is raising awareness for the role mental health plays in our lives by providing tips and resources so anyone can take steps to promote good mental health. These include remaining physically fit with your mental health in mind through ensuring you are eating right, sleeping right and remaining physically active. Additionally, good mental health relies on building social support, recognizing the signs of stress and knowing when to reach out for help. Just as we have learned there are things we can do to reduce our risk of heart disease and other illnesses, the Mental Health Clinic wants to help people learn what they can do both to protect their mental health in tough times and also to improve their mental well-being throughout their lives. We all know about the importance of taking care of our health -- eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising. Healthy habits positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions. But good health involves not only caring for our body, but also our mind. The fact is our mental health is integral to our overall health. Far too many Americans fail to incorporate this principal component into their health choices. Yet, overall health and wellness are not possible without it. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent the onset or worsening of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems. It can also help people recover from these conditions. To participate in this month's activities or to learn more about what you can do to take care of your mental resilience, contact the Mental Health Clinic at (509) 247-2731. Please see below for a schedule of activities for the month that you can participate in. You will also see representatives from the mental health clinic around base increasing awareness at informational booths. · May 16, 1 to 2 p.m., Sleep hygiene/fatigue countermeasures course, call 247-5406 to sign-up · May 20, 1 to 2 p.m., Healthy thinking workshop, call 247-2731 to sign-up · May 22, 3 p.m., Mental health Walleyball tournament, call 247-2731 to sign-up · May 27, 1 to 2 p.m., Decreasing worry workshop, call 247-2731 to sign-up · May 29, 1 to 2 p.m., Relaxation workshop, call 247-2731 to sign-up Please feel free to stop by and ask a question or have a friendly conversation.