General

The Board has collected a variety of resources that are easily accessible and based upon sound research. While the list is not exhaustive, we hope that the resources will provide useful information and, at a minimum, allow you to feel more informed and empowered about the subject matter(s) you are interested in.

If there is a topic you would like to see on this list please contact the Mental Health and Recovery Board (ashmhrb@ashlandmhrb.org) and we will do our best to add it.

 Resources for Sleep, Exercise and Diet

The Importance of Sleep and

Good Mental Health

Good sleep is an important part of good mental health.  While the relationship between sleep and mental health is not yet completely understood, studies suggest that a good night's sleep helps foster both mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disruptions set the stage for negative thinking and emotional vulnerability.

Below are links that provide additional information on sleep and tips to help you sleep better: 

Practical suggestions and strategies to improve sleep

Suggestions for improving sleep productivity!

From the National Institutes of Health: In Brief: Your Guide to Healthy Sleep

The Importance of Exercise and

Good Mental Health 

According to the Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health of 1996 regular participation in physical activity appears to reduce depression and anxiety, improve mood, and enhance ability to perform daily tasks throughout the life span. People who exercise feel better about themselves, others and their environment.

Below are some links that provide additional information on exercise & physical activity:

 

New Research shows exercise an "evidence-based" practice for depression

HelpGuide helps you help yourself - Start improving your mental health and wellness today. HelpGuide shows you how. 

Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, CDC

Exercise and the Treatment of Clinical Depression in Adults

Recommendations for Physical Activity: A Supportive Intervention Guide

The Importance of Diet and

Good Mental Health 

Like Sleep and Exercise, an individual’s diet can play a key role in maintaining good mental health. Several allergic reactions can be mis-diagnosed as mental health disorders. Additionally, if you or a loved one is taking psychiatric medications, you may experience weight gain as a side-effect which makes attention to diet and nutrition even more critical.

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 Depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety might not be mood problems after all. As nutritionist Kelly Dorfman tells Dr. Marc Siegel, these conditions could actually be food disorders. Find out which foods could negatively affect your mood.

Eating Well and Mental Health - Our friends at The Royal College of Psychiatrists have these helpful tips.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Proper Breathing to Reduce Anxiety

The Windhorse Guide for Families

Personal Stories of Recovery

Live Your Life Well From Mental Health America

Holistic Women’s Health Psychiatry: Caring for the whole woman naturally

THE RIGHT MEDICATIONS FOR HEALTHY LIVING

What Supplements Do You Take? - Informational video about Supplements.

Tips For Talking to Your Doctor About Medications - Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives

Principles of a Recovery Model Including Medications by Dr. Patricia Deegan

Questions to Ask the Doctor about Medication

Find the right balance. RxISK is the drug safety website to research and report side effects. No one knows a drug’s side effects like the person taking it. Use this website to inform yourself on the drugs you are being prescribed