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Make Today a Good One!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is More Good Days, Together. The focus is simple but meaningful. It’s about helping people have more days where they feel steady, supported and able to handle the demands of the day. 

In public safety roles, “good days” do not necessarily mean easy days. The work can be demanding, fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable. A good day might look like staying focused during a busy shift, managing stress in the moment, or recovering quickly after completing a challenging task. 

That kind of resilience doesn’t just happen. It’s built and practiced over time. The daily stressors of life can put a constant demand on your mind and body. Without intentional ways to reset, stress can build up, affecting focus, decision-making and overall well-being. Small moments of pause throughout the day can help the body regulate and return to a more balanced state. 

The accompanying More Good Days, Together Quick Check-In worksheet can be used as a simple daily tool for you to notice what keeps you grounded and what helps you stay on track. Keep it in your work area for a quick check-in throughout the day. 

This month is a reminder that mental health is part of overall health. By looking out for one another and building in small moments to reset, we can move toward more good days, together. 

We can all use a little extra help with our mental health from time to time. Responder Assistance Initiative offers free confidential services for NCDPS staff and first responders across North Carolina. This includes behavioral health counseling, peer support and training. Contact the RAI Information & Resource Line at 866-731-6901 to learn more or get connected with services.

More Good Days, Together: A Quick Check-In

Small actions can help steady your day. 
Use this quick check-in guide to reset and refocus
Right Now
  • Take five slow breaths (inhale for four seconds, exhale for six seconds)
  • Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw
Take Care of Your Body
  • Stay hydrated
  • Eat more whole foods
  • Prioritize sleep when you can
  • Limit caffeine
Connection
  • Check in with a coworker
  • Talk to a trusted family member or friend
  • Plan something to look forward to
Stay on Track
  • Focus on one task at a time
  • Break a task into small steps
  • Pause between tasks
  • Ask for help when you need it

Free and confidential individual, couples and family counseling 
Phone: 866-731-6901 
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. 
Saturday: 9 a.m. – noon 
ncdps.gov/rai