It's almost 2020! Here are a few tips to live well this year for those with mental illness.

Unfortunately, there are no foolproof guidelines for helping your loved one on their journey towards recovery. However, you can connect to your intentions, convey compassion and maintain your own self-care while empowering your loved one regardless of where they are in their healing journey.

"Regardless of your past, you are in charge of your life, and you have the ability to make positive choices. Don’t let uninformed or misguided statements like 'sobriety is boring' discourage you from pursuing a healthier, happier life."

"The important thing is to gently push yourself to do something you’d enjoy. You can overcome depression."

Many of us have heard the term “baby blues,” when a mother feels tired, worried or down for a few days after having a baby. But when a new mother has significant symptoms for weeks during or after the pregnancy, it may be postpartum depression. 

Self-care isn't meant to be challenging or time consuming or budget-breaking. Self-care is meant to help you feel refreshed and recharged. 

Crisis intervention team (CIT) training educates officers on recognizing when individuals have mental illness and are symptomatic, de-escalating crises and navigating people toward resources and help. Learn more about CIT and why it should be implemented nationally. 

"I knew I was not well. But I was conflicted. The stigma with mental health treatment is a real thing for someone who works in the mental health field."

Crisis is often the most difficult part of mental illness. However, if you know how to prevent a crisis, how to handle one and what to expect, it can make things easier for individuals and their family members during the hardest times. 

"I am not suggesting that managing anxiety is that simple. My mental health will always be a work in progress, but I have found a tool that works for me."