Look Around, Look Within: You're #MoreThanEnough

Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and food? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? If you work from home part time or full time, is the space sufficient in meeting your work needs? This May is Mental Health Month, and we challenge you to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

What contributes to mental health?

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what are called social determinants of health. The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being. Earnings from work and, over time, financial independence can help.

Secure safe and stable housing

This can be challenging due to finances, age and other factors, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state and local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or staying temporarily at a friend's home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home. Earnings from work can help you achieve this goal.

Focus on your home

Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive. If you can, designate one room where you'll do your work. Try not to do anything else in that room. If you don't have the extra space, set up a desk or table that's dedicated to work.

Create bonds with your co-workers, neighborhood and community

Get to know the people living around you and those you work with. Make it a habit to try to engage in conversation with your co-workers at least once a week during your break time. Work can lead to life-long friendships and help you feel connected.

Connect with nature

If you're able, hike in a wooded area, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light. If you have the time and access during your break, take a short walk around the block or building. If you don't have time for a walk, eat your lunch outside. Taking breaks to enjoy nature during the day, with your manager's permission, can help change up your workday and calm your mind.

#MoreThanEnough

As you consider these factors that might affect your mental health, we also encourage you to remember, YOU are #MoreThanEnough. The National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) theme for National Mental Health Month encourages "all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that's more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough."

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Remember, wherever you are on your journey, you are #MoreThanEnough. If you're ready to see if employment is a good fit for you, we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider, such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.