September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and here at Community Access Network, we’re passionate about doing our part to promote better behavioral health. Fortunately, Lynchburg has a variety of behavioral health resources available to our community members. If you feel like now is the time to prioritize behavioral health, we’re here to help. Let’s explore some of the resources you can access right here in Central Virginia, and things you can do to help put your mental wellness first.
The Importance of Prioritizing Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being and quality of life. It encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. Prioritizing behavioral health is essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life — and our behavioral health can directly affect our physical bodies, too.
Even though we’ve become more open to discussing behavioral health as a society in recent years, it can still feel overwhelming to ask for help. But behavioral health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other struggles aren’t anything to be ashamed of. We all deserve to live well-rounded lives, and that starts with prioritizing taking care of ourselves.
By prioritizing behavioral health, individuals can develop healthy coping mechanisms, improve communication skills, build resilience, and enhance emotional well-being. Seeking help through behavioral health services is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage and self-care.
Resources in Central Virginia
At Community Access Network, we offer resources and treatments for various behavioral health issues. And if needed, we’re able to make referrals to our partners at Horizon Behavioral Health and the Free Clinic of Central Virginia. Together with our network of providers, we can offer comprehensive care to address any behavioral health challenges our patients may face.
Horizon Behavioral Health
Horizon Behavioral Health is a vital resource for our community members, providing comprehensive behavioral health treatment services to individuals in need. With a mission to improve the quality of life for those dealing with behavioral health and substance abuse challenges, Horizon Behavioral Health offers a wide range of programs and services tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. We are proud to partner with Horizon Behavioral Health as part of our commitment to providing compassionate, accessible behavioral health services to all.
Located in Lynchburg, the Horizon Behavioral Health Wellness Center is a dedicated behavioral health treatment clinic. This esteemed facility offers a variety of services to support individuals on their behavioral health journey with a mixture of inpatient and outpatient programming. Patients can even access a variety of services online through telehealth.
Free Clinic of Central Virginia
The Free Clinic of Central Virginia offers a wide range of services to support individuals on their behavioral health journey.
At the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, individuals can access counseling and therapy services provided by experienced professionals. These behavioral health professionals are dedicated to helping individuals navigate their behavioral health challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
The clinic offers individual counseling, which allows individuals to address their specific behavioral health concerns and work toward more balanced lives. Group therapy sessions are also available, providing individuals with the opportunity to connect with others who may be facing similar challenges and find support in a group setting.
Additionally, the Free Clinic of Central Virginia may provide referrals for specialized services, such as psychiatric evaluation and medication management, to ensure individuals receive holistic care tailored to their needs.
Tips for Improving Your Mental Health
Even without medical intervention, there are lots of ways you can improve your behavioral health. While we’re huge supporters of getting help when you need it, doing little things every day can help you feel better and create a healthier state.
Spend Time Outdoors
Spending time outdoors is not only a way to enjoy the beauty of nature but also a powerful tool to improve behavioral health. Lynchburg and our surrounding counties are blessed with numerous parks and natural areas where community members can go to experience the behavioral health benefits of being in nature.
Research has shown that spending time outdoors can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body, allowing individuals to relax and escape from the pressures of daily life. Whether it is the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the wind or the sight of vibrant flowers and lush greenery, nature has a way of bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.
Moreover, being in nature can have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. The fresh air, Vitamin D from the sun, and the natural beauty around us can uplift our spirits and improve our emotional state. Engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or simply taking a walk in a park can be invigorating and provide a much-needed break from our busy routines.
Connect with Your Loved Ones
In today’s fast-paced and busy world, it can be easy to get caught up in our own lives and lose touch with the people we care about. However, research has shown that connecting with loved ones is crucial for our behavioral health and well-being.
Strong social connections can provide us with emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness, and increase our overall mental well-being. When we have people we can rely on and share our thoughts and feelings with, we are better able to cope with life’s challenges and experience a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.
Scheduling regular phone or video calls can help us stay connected, especially when we are physically separated. Spending quality time together, whether it’s going for a walk, having a meal, or engaging in a shared hobby, can strengthen the bond we have with our loved ones. And expressing gratitude for the people in our lives, both verbally and through small gestures, can go a long way in maintaining those connections.
By prioritizing our relationships and making an effort to connect with our loved ones, we can improve our behavioral health and create a support system that helps us navigate life’s ups and downs.
Reduce Time Spent on Screens
In today’s digital age, it’s hard to imagine our lives without screens. We rely on them for work, entertainment, and staying connected with others. However, spending excessive time on screens can have a negative impact on our mental well-being. It’s important to aim for a healthy balance that allows us to experience the benefits of technology while also staying engaged with the world around us.
Studies have shown that excessive screen time is associated with feelings of anxiety and depression. The constant exposure to social media, news, and virtual interactions can lead to information overload and feelings of overwhelm. By reducing time spent on screens, individuals can create space for other activities that can contribute to improved behavioral health.
Taking regular digital detox breaks is a beneficial practice to consider.
Setting specific time frames or dedicating certain days to disconnect from screens can lead to improved mental well-being. This intentional time away from screens allows individuals to reconnect with themselves, engage in face-to-face interactions, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life without constant digital distractions.
Community Access Network Can Support Your Behavioral Health Journey
If you are on a behavioral health journey and need support, consider reaching out to Community Access Network. We pride ourselves on being a judgment-free zone, and we care deeply about each member of our vibrant community. We offer a variety of mental and behavioral health services, and we have strong relationships with other providers in the area we can refer you to.