By CPN Behavioral Health Department
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Health Services
We’re virtually here to help!
Bozho
(Hello),
In behavioral health, we call it “behavioral activation.” Right now, this means get up and move. We are probably feeling a bit cramped right now with all the limits we hear about saying we can’t do things, so try looking at what we can do. Yes, continue to practice social distancing; yes, limit the amount of trips we take to the store and to the gas station; yes, be considerate of others with the things we use. But please, do not limit what you are doing to care for yourself. Have boundaries, but let yourself experience new things.
Behavioral activation includes the things that help you get up and moving around. One great way to start is by taking a walk. We don’t have to start training for a marathon quite yet, just start with walking a little quicker than you normally would for about 10 minutes a day, and build from there. If we can work up to about 30-45 minutes for our daily strolls, even better! Right now, we are all a bit limited in our mobility. While this could include things like going to the gym, bike riding, swimming, etc., we may not be able to do all the things we’d like right now. So just get up and move! Clean your home, dance in your bedroom or living room (or bathroom), or wherever you can get moving. Just get moving! Even if we have limited mobility, there are ways you can use this with a little assistance from others, near or far.
Of course, you can always check with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov with questions and helpful information during this time. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or text CONNECT to 741741, or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Migwetch
(Thank you)!