By Kelly Maue
Many people understand and pursue a health-conscious lifestyle. Choices like a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding tobacco are ways to help maintain physical health.
But what about our mental well-being? While it’s a huge component of overall health and happiness, it doesn’t always garner the same support and understanding as physical issues. There can be a lack of clarity about how to work towards good mental health, and a stigma is often attached to mental health problems.
Mental health consists of our psychological, emotional, and social well-being. Positive or negative, the state of our mental health has huge implications on our daily lives. It largely dictates how we feel, behave, think, handle stress, and make decisions. The status of our mental health can impact everything from relationships to school or employment.
Millions of Americans suffer from mental illness. More than 1 in 5 adults, and 1 in 7 young people, experience a mental health disorder each year. While those who suffer often feel isolated and alone, statistics show that mental illnesses are quite common. Whether the disorder is mild or severe, it’s important to seek support and treatment options. It’s expected to see a doctor for a broken bone; it should be just as routine to seek help for mental health issues.
Conditions can range from mild and temporary to severe and long-lasting. Mental illnesses are caused by genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, abuse, and other factors.
Problems can present in many ways. Mood swings, feeling helpless or hopeless, an inability to perform basic daily tasks, and thoughts of self-harm are just a few warning signs. Drug and alcohol abuse, as well as eating or sleeping too much or too little, can be other indicators of mental health difficulties.
Ailments affect young and old alike. Under the anxiety disorders umbrella, people can suffer from social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and more. Other mental health conditions include eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Depression is a broad category, where something like Major Depressive Disorder can be all consuming, while postpartum depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are two types of depression that are generally episodic and temporary.
How a particular condition affects someone is unique to that person. But there are some healthy habits that are helpful for everyone, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and focusing on good nutrition. Additional ways to work towards better mental health include education on the topic, nurturing supportive relationships, and seeking out professional help when needed. A judgment-free zone to focus on the person – and not the diagnosis – is key. And make it a point to normalize conversations about mental health, as it may help others ask for help when needed.
Mental Health Awareness Month began in 1949, and SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has supported this observance for decades. SAMHSA is dedicated to education, advocacy, support, and sharing materials and resources for mental wellness.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Visit FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment facilities or providers, or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
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The artist committed to bringing awaress to mental health issues
A conversation with New York Times best-selling author and psychotherapist, Lori Gottlieb
