Six Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health

For some people, mental health conditions are more than situational and can affect their everyday lives and overall health. NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) reports 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

Signs and symptoms of mental health issues include: 

•  Lethargy
• Sadness
• Unmotivated to do the things you normally do
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of appetite
• Constant worries or fear
• Suicidal thoughts
• solation (avoid family and friends)
• Frequent substance use 

For many people with these symptoms, asking for help isn’t easy. Some don’t know how to ask for assistance, while others are in denial about needing support or think no one will understand or care.   

It's OK to not be OK, and you don’t have to manage your mental health alone. BJC Behavioral Health, part of BJC HealthCare, is one of many mental health facilities across the U.S. and is available to the community in St. Louis, St. Francois, Iron, and Washington counties. In 2024, BJC Behavioral Health provided more than 337,000 services to more than 12,000 clients. 

BJC Behavioral Health is here to help you improve your overall well-being through services beneficial for your emotional, mental, physical, and psychological health. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, or substance use, BJC Behavioral Health offers services including case management, psychiatric care, therapy services, substance use treatment, and a 24/7 crisis response hotline.  We do not take commercial insurance at this time, but we can help with referrals as needed.

 We offer: 

• Same-day access; clients can walk into the clinic and receive a screening the same day without an appointment
• Community-based care for clients with complex needs living with diagnosed severe and persistent mental illness
• Smoking cessation for anyone interested in quitting smoking or vaping
• Youth services including community support and psychiatric services for outpatient clients, support for high-needs youth and families, and evidence-based therapy to treat self-sabotaging behaviors
• Specialty services including The Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) virtual service, qualified mental health professionals who can treat various patients in crisis in-person and virtually
• Substance-use services for adults and youth including screening and assessment, client-centered treatment planning, and individual counseling
• Residential resources for adults 

Rachel Pourchot is associate director of adult services for BJC Behavioral Health. She and her team take a holistic and wellness-based approach, providing community-based care for clients living with a severe and persistent mental illness who struggle with mental health, medical, housing, financial, and substance use needs.  They offer support, skill building, advocacy, and resources. 

“Mental health issues are very common,” Rachel says. “They touch everyone in our lives, whether it’s you who suffers with the effects of a mental illness or a loved one who is helping their family member or friend navigate the mental health system. This is an important message for everyone to reduce the stigma and to make sure we all have access to the care that we need.”

“Talking openly about mental health helps normalize the conversations we should all be having to keep ourselves well, encourages others to share and seek support, and reminds people help is available.”

Improving your mental health won’t happen overnight. It’s a process, and it takes time to re-shift your thoughts and get back to your normal. Rachel recommends the following to promote mental wellness: 

• Pay attention to yourself, your body, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep
• Stay active with regular exercise
• Engage in hobbies and interests
• Stay connected with others; personal connections help us stay healthy
• Seek help, especially if you are experiencing symptoms that are a change from how you normally feel
• Remember, if you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone; help is available, and there is hope

You can also seek help by calling BJC Behavioral Health’s 24-hour call center. The call center is available for eligibility screening, crisis support, and resource information at 314-747-7491 or 877-729-4004. 

Walk-ins are available from 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday at several BJC Behavioral Health locations in St. Louis. 

If you or a loved one needs mental health assistance, contact 988 immediately to be connected to a crisis support specialist. You are not alone. We are here to help you get through your emotional distress.