Many of us, Veterans and families included, are committed to maintaining our physical health by living a healthy lifestyle including working out at the gym and exercising regularly, eating good foods, and getting enough sleep. But what about our mental health?

Caring for your mental health is equally important, and the Minnesota Department of Health has provided some good reminders. The theme is connection and the importance of relationships with others.

For example, work on building casual connections. Those warm fuzzies you get from helping others helps your health, too! Make today your good deed day! Shovel a neighbor’s walk. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee. Smile at a passerby. Check in on someone who is isolated. Extend a sincere thank you, or apology. Donate a book to a little library.

Even brief and kind interactions with strangers can generate some meaningful sense of connection and value. How many people can you greet with a smile or hold a casual conversation with to spread good cheer today?

Find ways to show kindness to your neighbors. The neighborhoods we live in have a big impact on our health and well-being. Fostering relationships with our neighbors through small acts of kindness is not only beneficial to them, but is also good for us, the giver. When you display kindness, you increase dopamine to the brain, leaving you feeling happier and more energized. A bonus: kindness is contagious!

If you’re concerned about your mental health, it’s important to find support and help. Staying connected to your support system is especially important for those in recovery. Reach out to your support system or those you know who are struggling and plan to connect regularly. It is OK to seek help. Reach out to a friend, family, neighbor, or crisis line; there is help, there is hope.

It can be intimidating to find a therapist, or even difficult to know where to start. Use your employee assistance program if you have one. You can contact a health care provider or your health insurance company. Some people find personal referrals helpful. You may be surprised what you learn when you start asking around. For information on mental health and substance use disorder resources in Minnesota visit fasttrackermn.org.

Check in on your friends and family. If you notice a friend behaving differently or seeming distressed, do not be afraid to ask your friend or loved one if they are thinking about killing themselves or thinking about suicide. Asking about suicide does not make someone suicidal. In fact, talking openly about mental health and suicide can help create an honest conversation and connection. Learn the signs of someone thinking about suicide.

For support and resources, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text “MN” to 741 741 to get help with any crisis. For more information on suicide prevention, go to: health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/basics/index.html