The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is reminding everyone about its Stay Well program to offer mental health services to Michiganders struggling with the ongoing pandemic. Dr. Debra Pinals, department medical director for behavioral health, tells WSJM News with the colder, darker winter months now here, people are having an even rougher time. Does she have any advice?
“It’s really important for people, first of all, to pay attention to their mental well being,” Pinals said. “Get outside, exercise, eat right, get enough sleep, make sure that you are keeping a schedule, reach out to people if you need to talk. There’s no shame in seeking help, and remember that your mental well being is really important.”
Pinals says it can be tempting to sit around all day, but it’s better to be active, get outside, and keep a schedule. You can call the Stay Well hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you need to talk with someone. We have the number at our website. You can also go to Michigan.gov/StayWell to be connected with mental health resources.
For a free, confidential conversation with a trained Stay Well crisis counselor, dial 888-535-6136 and press “8” at the prompt. The phone line is open 24/7 for any Michigan resident.
