It’s easy to talk about the importance of mental health, but real change comes when we take action. Supporting your mind doesn’t always require huge steps. In fact, small daily practices can make a big difference in how you feel and how you show up for others.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage practical, doable actions that anyone can take to nurture mental well-being. Here are 10 things you can do today to support your mental health.

When most people picture depression, they think of someone who looks sad, withdrawn, or unable to get out of bed. But depression doesn’t always look that way. Some people continue to show up at work, laugh with friends, and meet all of life’s demands while quietly battling an invisible struggle. This is often called high-functioning depression.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we want to shed light on this often-overlooked form of depression and encourage anyone experiencing it to seek support.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, but it often goes undiagnosed. Many people are unsure if what they’re feeling really “counts” as depression, or they don’t know what to expect from the screening process. At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe that taking the first step toward support should feel simple, safe, and caring.

Since October 7 is National Depression Screening Day, this is the perfect time to talk about why screenings matter and what the process looks like at Alleviant.

As summer fades and the days grow shorter, many people notice changes in mood, energy, and motivation. These seasonal shifts can sometimes lead to seasonal affective changes, a milder form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or even full SAD in more severe cases. Recognizing the signs and taking proactive steps can help you maintain emotional balance and mental health throughout the fall and winter months.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we understand that seasonal changes affect everyone differently. Some people feel a dip in energy or motivation, while others experience increased irritability or sadness. Paying attention to your emotional patterns during this transition can help you implement strategies that support your well-being.

The end of summer brings a natural shift in routines, schedules, and energy. School starts, days get shorter, and the weather changes. These transitions can affect everyone in the family, from children to adults, and can create opportunities for reflection, connection, and planning for the months ahead.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we know that family check-ins are a simple yet powerful way to support mental health during seasonal transitions. Reflection prompts help guide conversations that strengthen relationships, foster empathy, and create a supportive environment at home.

Self-care is more than a trendy phrase or occasional indulgence. It is a set of daily practices that support emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Science shows that small, consistent habits can have a significant impact on mental health, helping reduce stress, improve mood, and increase resilience.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage patients to develop practical self-care routines that fit their lives. By focusing on small, achievable actions, you can make meaningful changes without feeling overwhelmed.

As summer winds down, many people notice changes in their mood and energy. The shift from longer, brighter days to shorter, cooler ones can bring feelings of sadness, anxiety, or restlessness. These emotions are common and natural. Acknowledging them and taking steps to support your mental health can help you transition into fall with balance and resilience.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we recognize that seasonal transitions can affect everyone differently. Paying attention to your emotional needs during this time is an important part of self-care.

As summer comes to a close, it is a natural time to pause and reflect. The season often brings a mix of relaxation, social activity, travel, and changes in routine. These experiences can provide valuable insights into your mental health and well-being. Taking time to reflect now can help you carry lessons forward into the months ahead.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we encourage reflection as a tool for self-awareness, growth, and emotional regulation. By examining how you felt, what supported you, and what challenged you this summer, you can better understand your needs and plan for healthy habits in the fall.

September is National Recovery Month, a time to recognize and celebrate individuals working to overcome mental health and substance use challenges. It is also a reminder for all of us that recovery is a journey, not a destination. For those who care about someone in recovery, this month can be an opportunity to reflect on how to provide meaningful support.

When someone we care about is on the path of recovery, it is natural to want to help. We might feel a strong urge to give advice, solve problems, or take away their pain. While this comes from a place of love, it can sometimes unintentionally communicate that they are broken or that we know what is best for them. Recovery is deeply personal, and progress does not always follow a straight line. One of the most powerful ways to support someone is to walk alongside them without trying to “fix” them.

When people think of self-care, they often imagine indulgent activities like bubble baths, scented candles, or a favorite treat. While these can feel nice, they do not always address the deeper needs of the nervous system. True self-care is about giving your body and mind the support they need to regulate stress and recover from life’s challenges.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we emphasize self-care practices that strengthen the nervous system, reduce chronic stress, and help you feel more grounded. These practices can improve mood, sleep, focus, and overall resilience.

In our busy world, it can feel like we are expected to always be moving forward, doing more, and producing results. When we are healing from mental health challenges, this pressure can make us feel like we are not doing enough. The truth is that stillness is not a sign of laziness or avoidance. It is an essential part of recovery.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we know that healing takes time and often requires moments of slowing down. These pauses are not empty spaces. They are where the mind and body can process, restore, and prepare for the next steps forward.

Depression can distort the way we see ourselves and the world around us. One of its most harmful lies is the belief that we are a burden to others. This thought can feel convincing when we are struggling, but it is not the truth. The reality is that your life matters, and the people who care about you want you here.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we know how deeply depression can affect a person’s thoughts and emotions. We also know that these thoughts are symptoms of the illness, not reflections of your worth.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24 in the United States. While the reasons behind suicidal thoughts are complex, one truth is clear. Caring adults in schools have a unique opportunity to notice warning signs early and connect students to help. Teachers, school counselors, and other staff often see students every day, which allows them to build trust and observe changes in behavior over time.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe that prevention begins with awareness, connection, and timely intervention. This guide offers practical steps for educators to support students who may be struggling.

When someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or going through a mental health crisis, it can feel like hope is out of reach. In these moments, having a concrete, personalized plan can make all the difference. A safety plan is a written list of coping strategies, supportive contacts, and resources to use when things feel overwhelming. It is a simple tool that can provide structure, reassurance, and a path toward safety.

These plans are not just crisis tools. They are reminders that even in the darkest moments there are steps that can help you stay safe and connected.

One of the most powerful tools we have to prevent suicide is connection. A simple conversation can be a turning point for someone who feels alone, hopeless, or overwhelmed. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a reminder that you do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. You just need to be willing to reach out, listen, and show you care.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we see every day how connection can open the door to healing. Even small moments of compassion can break through isolation and remind someone they matter.

Every September, communities across the country recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. It is a time to share resources, reduce stigma, and remind each other that help is always available. Suicide impacts people of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, yet it is also preventable when people have access to timely, compassionate support.

At Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, we believe in the power of early intervention. We know that starting conversations about mental health and providing support early can save lives.

Transitions are hard. Whether it’s starting a new school year, moving to a new home, changing jobs, or navigating any big life change, the chaos can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel anxious, tired, or off-balance during these times.

Integrative mental health offers a way to move through transitions with more ease and care. It looks beyond just symptoms and treats you as a whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

LITTLE ROCK, AR – August 26 – Alleviant Integrated Mental Health, a national leader in brain-first, integrative psychiatric care, has announced a pivotal leadership transition designed to support the company’s rapid expansion and deepen its impact in advancing psychiatric science.

Founder and CEO Brian Mears, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, who established Alleviant in 2017, will now focus his leadership on propelling the company’s national expansion, forging high-value strategic partnerships, and advancing the cutting-edge psychiatric and neurophysiological innovations that distinguish Alleviant in the field. Remaining as CEO, Mears will continue to provide visionary direction while spearheading the research and clinical advancements that shape the future of the company’s transformative care model.

As an educator, you play a huge role in shaping how students think about learning, relationships, and even themselves. What many people don’t realize is that you also shape how they view mental health.

Kids and teens are always watching. They notice how you handle stress. They pick up on your tone when something goes wrong. And when you speak honestly (without going too deep), they learn that it’s okay to talk about emotions and challenges.

A new school year brings more than fresh supplies and lesson plans. It brings a quiet pressure that many people outside the classroom don’t always see.

There’s the excitement of a fresh start, yes, but also the weight of expectations, shifting routines, and the emotional energy it takes to show up for so many others, every single day.

Teachers carry a mental load that goes far beyond the job description. And as the first day of school gets closer, that load can feel heavier.