Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or stretched too thin? You’re not alone. Each year, National Mental Health Day serves as a reminder that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. It’s a time to pause, reflect and take steps toward balance. Midwest Express Clinic encourages patients to view mental health as a vital part of everyday wellness — not just something to think about when life feels overwhelming. Read on to learn more about how mental health impacts overall wellness and discover helpful tips to maintain a healthy mind and body.
The Importance of Mental Health in Overall Wellness
The importance of mental health extends beyond addressing conditions such as depression or anxiety. It shapes how people think, feel, build relationships and manage daily responsibilities. It’s estimated that about 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth (ages 6-17) in the United States experiences a mental health concern each year.
Early warning signs of a mental health condition in adults may include:
- Sudden or extreme mood changes
- Shifts in appetite or sleep patterns
- Difficulty focusing on work or school
- Withdrawing from friends or family
Children and adolescents often exhibit different warning signs:
- Sudden or extreme mood changes, including increased irritability or anger
- Shifts in appetite or sleep patterns, including frequent nightmares
- Difficulty focusing on work or school, leading to a drop in grades
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
- Frequent physical complaints like stomachaches or headaches without a known medical cause
Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness. Instead, they may stem from biological, psychological or environmental factors. Just like high blood pressure or a broken bone, mental health concerns deserve professional care and attention.
Everyday Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety
Simple daily habits can make a big difference in managing stress and anxiety:
- Practice mindful breathing: Try the 4-6 technique: Inhale deeply through your nose for four counts, hold, and exhale slowly through your mouth for six. This can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes.
- Stay active: A brisk 10-minute walk during your lunch break or stretching between meetings can release endorphins and ease tension. You don’t need a gym membership to feel the benefits.
For younger children, unstructured play is especially important. Parents can encourage participation in sports or hobbies to keep them active and engaged. - Build consistent routines: Going to bed and waking up around the same time every day — even on weekends — trains your body to feel more rested and resilient.
This is especially crucial for children; consistent routines for meals, homework, and bedtime help them feel secure and can reduce anxiety. - Maintain social connections: Call a friend, join a community group or share a meal with family. Talking through challenges reduces feelings of isolation and builds support.
For younger children, this might mean encouraging playdates, participation in clubs, and ensuring quality family time. - Reframe negative thoughts: Instead of “I’ll never get this done,” try “I’m making progress one step at a time.” Small changes in language can shift perspective and reduce anxiety.
For children, help build a habit of positive thinking by asking them to share one good thing that happened during their day or by starting a family gratitude journal. - Know when to seek help: If stress or anxiety begins to interfere with daily life, talking with a provider or therapist is a healthy and important step.
Seeking timely support can prevent small struggles from becoming larger challenges.
General Wellness Services at Midwest Express Clinic
Midwest Express Clinic emphasizes that mental health is part of overall wellness. General wellness exams at Midwest Express Clinic provide a valuable opportunity to address both physical and emotional concerns with a provider.
During a wellness exam, providers may:
- Review personal and family health history
- Discuss lifestyle factors such as stress, diet and sleep
- Conduct screenings and lab tests as needed
- Make referrals for specialized care when appropriate
With walk-in appointments available at over 50 convenient clinic locations, Midwest Express Clinic makes it easier to prioritize wellness without weeks of waiting.
Act This National Mental Health Day
National Mental Health Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder to pause and take steps toward health and balance. Consider:
- Coming in for a wellness exam at Midwest Express Clinic
- Checking in on a loved one who may be struggling
- Setting aside time for self-care, such as journaling or exercise
- Learning to recognize the early signs of stress or anxiety
Midwest Express Clinic encourages patients to treat mental health with the same attention and urgency as physical health. By understanding the importance of mental health, practicing strategies for managing stress and anxiety, and coming in for a general wellness exam, individuals can strengthen their foundation for long-term well-being.
To find urgent care in your area, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
