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S.T.O.P. and Check In On Your Mental Health During National Depression & Mental Health Screening Month

Published: October 14, 2024

With fall in full swing, you might already be looking ahead to winter’s arrival. With colder weather, less sunlight, and decreased outdoor time, the winter season can increase feelings of depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, so now can be a great time to prepare by checking in on your mental health, especially if gambling or sports betting is involved, as about 26 percent of Ohioans with depression are at risk for developing a gambling disorder.

Checking in on your mental health can look different from person to person. Asking yourself these questions from Penn Medicine can be a great starting point:

  • “How am I feeling today?”
  • “What’s been worrying me lately?”
  • “Am I providing my body with its basic needs?”
  • “What am I doing to bring myself joy?”
  • “Who do I have in my corner?”

Once you’ve done this, find ways to calm your nervous system down. This can include talking with a loved one, exercising, or practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is a powerful tool used by many, as it has proven benefits for conditions like depression as well as chronic pain, high blood pressure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more, according to Helen Hyun-Chung Kim, a mindfulness expert from the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness.

But how do you practice mindfulness? While there are many tools and tips to help you be more present, start with the simple acronym S.T.O.P. 

  • Stop and be still. Notice your surroundings and take yourself out of your head for a moment.
  • Take a few deep breaths. Doing so slows your heart rate and produces “feel good” hormones. 
  • Observe what’s happening. Are you afraid, sad, or angry? If so, where do you notice it in your body? 
  • Proceed with a choice. Move forward knowing you’re in control of further engaging with negative emotions or practicing self-compassion. 

Mindfulness works by sending a message of safety to your brain and helping regulate the brain’s response to threats, whether they’re real or perceived. The great thing about mindfulness is that you can practice it anytime, whether sitting, walking, eating, driving, or even washing the dishes! When it comes to gambling specifically, you can also download the RecoverMe app, which can help individuals be more mindful and control urges. And through a partnership with Time Out Ohio, the app is free for all Ohioans using the code OHIO100.

Since there is a possibility that depression and a gambling disorder can co-occur, it’s also important to consult with a trained professional to determine the appropriate treatment plan. If you are questioning your gambling behavior, make the call to the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline now. Trained and understanding specialists are available 24/7 to take your call, with no strings attached. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741. 

And if you’re experiencing depression or any other mental health concern, you can call, text, or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is always available to take your call, with no strings attached. Call 1-800-589-9966 or text 4HOPE to 741741.

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