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Mental Health and Wellness
Welcome to the Mental Health and Wellness page! Our Town is very fortunate to host numerous healthy resources ranging from information on walking routes and trails to programs offered by the Health Department. Please join us in our efforts to make Reading a healthier community by using Reading's resources that are highlighted on this page. We hope that residents will learn and benefit from living healthy!
Wellness
Fitness
- Let's Move
- Map of Neighborhood Walking Routes in Reading (PDF)
- Description of Neighborhoods and Walking Routes
- Reading Trail Maps
- Reading Recreation Fitness Opportunities
- Reading Recreation Website
- American Diabetes Association Food and Fitness Resources
- Physical Activity Guide for Americans
- Virtual Walking Trip
- CDC Physical Activity Information
- WebWalking Program
- Mass in Motion
Nutrition
- Dash Diet for Lowering Blood Pressure (PDF)
- Estimated Calorie Requirements Guidelines (PDF)
- Healthy Weight Information from CDC
- UMass Extension Interactive Fast Food Menu with Fitness
- American Heart Association Nutrition
- Harvard University; The Nutrition Source
- American Diabetes Association Food Resources
Reducing Illness Risks
Mental Health
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
Call2Talk
Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program.it operates 24/7 and provides confidential, compassionate listening, survivor grief support programs and community education and outreach.
SIMPLY DIAL 211
211 Services:
- Basic Human Needs
- Physical and Mental Health Care
- Children, Youth and Families
- Emergency Information
- Work Initiatives
- Support for Seniors
24-7 Free-Confidential-Multilingual
Feeling overwhelmed? Read the facts below to learn whether it’s stress or anxiety, and what you can do to cope.
Stress | Both Stress and Anxiety | Anxiety |
Generally, is a response to an external cause such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend. Goes away once the situation is resolved Can be a positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline or may cause you to lose sleep. | Stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body. Symptoms may be:
| Generally, is internal, meaning it’s your reaction to stress. Usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn’t go away, and that interferes with how you live your life. Is constant, even if there is no immediate threat. |
Ways to cope with stress and anxiety:
- Keep a journal, exercise and eat healthy (regular meals), stick to a sleep routine, avoiding drinking excessive amounts of caffeine, identify when you are feeling down, reach out to your friends or family who can help you cope.
If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK(8255). You can also text Crisis Text Line (Hello to 741741) or use the lifeline Chat at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
For more information go to www.nimh.nih.gov
Substance Use and Mental Health Resources from Police Department and Reading Coalition
https://www.readingma.gov/788/Resources
MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus provides users with information to better understand their health and diagnosed disorders. Consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and answers to your personal questions.
What can I find on MedlinePlus?
- Health topics
- Drugs, herbs and supplements
- Health and Surgery Videos
- Medical tests
- Medical Encyclopedia
- Health Check Tools and Games
- Easy-to-Read Materials
- Multiple languages
And more!
Good Mental Health is Ageless
Click Here to learn more from Substance abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA)