Resources for Prioritizing Your Mental Health in Polk County

Caring for your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Just as there are things you can do to stay healthy and strong in your body, there are ways to take care of your mind and emotions. If you do not regularly eat well, your body will suffer, and you will not feel your best. Similarly, if you do not care for your mind and emotions, your mental health will suffer, and you will not feel your best. But what does caring for your mental health look like?

Caring for your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Ever feel particularly cranky after a bad night’s sleep? Maybe you snapped at a loved one for no reason after not having slept well for a week. Proper amounts of rest are vital for the body and mind to recover and prepare for the tasks that lie ahead, but rest comes in other forms besides sleep. Simply taking time for yourself to unwind and take a break can help to reset your mind and emotions. Another necessary element of mental health self-care is working through tough emotions and simply allowing yourself to feel.

All too often, people react to difficult feelings by ignoring them or trying to push them away. If your emotions are hard to deal with, it is essential to find ways to get help. This can include educating yourself on the situation that sparked the outburst of emotions or looking to others with whom you can discuss the situation. Frequently, just “venting” to an understanding ear can take the edge off of difficult emotions and allow you to better process them and think more clearly. However, there are also many professionals available in Polk County to help you work through emotional problems that are too big to handle yourself.

Where to start

When you decide that you want to seek professional help for your mental health, there are several approaches you can take.

• Seeking talk therapy? A counselor, psychologist, social worker, or therapist can help you explore the root causes of your mental health issues.
• Battling addiction? A certified peer specialist can provide you with support and advice from someone who has experienced the same struggles as you.
• Are your mental health struggles triggered by a physical illness? Your primary care doctor might be the best person to help you begin exploring these issues.

We know that every mental health journey is unique. Our goal is to help guide you towards some Polk County resources that could help.

Navigating Mental Health Resources

There can be many barriers to seeking mental health help, including a lack of medical insurance or means of transportation to and from in-person appointments.

Health insurance coverage in Polk County, Fla.: If you find yourself wanting to seek treatment for your mental health but do not have health insurance and have limited income, the Polk HealthCare Plan may be a solution. Polk HealthCare Plan members must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify. The Polk HealthCare Plan’s provider network includes more than 150 behavioral health care providers throughout Polk County. If a lack of transportation makes it hard for you to attend appointments, We Care may be a resource.

Polk County’s behavioral health team recently launched a website that compiles local mental health resources. It features a directory where you can find providers in your area, guidance on where to start to seek mental health treatment, and links to local crisis lines in case you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and want to speak to a counselor. Professionals in the area can also find statistics and data on the prevalence of mental health issues in Polk County.

Food and shelter: Mental health is only one component of well-being. It’s hard to focus on your mental health if you are worried about other things like putting food on the table or having a roof over your head. Polk County’s new behavioral health website also features a Resources section that includes options for housing and food. Navigators are available at multiple organizations in Polk County to help you get connected to the care you need.

Prioritize your mental health

Take time to prioritize yourself. Help is available through the Polk HealthCare Plan. Take the first step by calling (863) 533-1111.

Call a crisis line if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Peace River Center’s 24/7 Emotional Support & Crisis Line: (863) 519-3744
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988