May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and emphasizing the importance of self-care. Since its establishment in 1949, this month has been pivotal in fostering conversations around mental health and advocating for education, treatment, and access to support services.
This blog aims to address various aspects of mental health, including understanding its definition and significance, exploring statistics that highlight the prevalence of mental health challenges, and outlining the potential signs that you or a loved one needs to seek mental health support.
Defining Mental Health & Its Significance
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health refers to a state of well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s challenges, realize their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. Mental health influences our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships, impacting every aspect of our welfare and functioning. Maintaining mental wellness is fundamental to our overall health and requires consistent care and attention.
Mental Health Statistics
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reported that 1 in 5 adults in America experience mental health issues or crises with nearly 60% of them not receiving the necessary mental health services. Additionally, 1 in 6 youths and adolescents in America face mental health challenges, yet only 50% of them receive mental health services. NAMI also highlighted that suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34 and the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-24.
Signs to Seek Mental Health Support
In many cases, individuals refrain from seeking mental health services due to a lack of awareness about when to reach out for support. To address this, we’ve compiled a list of signs indicating that it might be time to seek mental health assistance. Moreover, Mental Health America offers screenings designed to help you determine whether seeking support is necessary.
| Early Warning Signs |
| 1. Changes in eating or sleeping habits, such as overeating or insomnia 2. Withdrawal from social interactions and activities once enjoyed 3. Persistent feelings of fatigue or lethargy 4. Emotional numbness or a sense of apathy towards life 5. Unexplained physical symptoms like frequent aches and pains 6. Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness 7. Increased reliance on substances like tobacco, alcohol, or drugs 8. Heightened levels of confusion, forgetfulness, agitation, anger, anxiety, or fear 9. Frequent conflicts or arguments with family and friends 10. Significant mood swings leading to relationship difficulties 11. Intrusive thoughts or memories that are difficult to manage 12. Experiencing auditory hallucinations or holding delusional beliefs 13. Contemplating self-harm or harm towards others 14. Difficulty in carrying out daily responsibilities, such as caring for dependents or attending work or school |
| Symptoms Breakdown |
| Feelings / Emotions |
| 1. Feeling anxious, fearful, or sad 2. Increased anger or irritability 3. Noticeable mood swings from highs to lows 4. Fatigue or low energy, struggling to manage daily tasks |
| Thoughts |
| 1. Suicidal thoughts 2. Difficulty focusing or remembering 3. Fixating on one topic, appearance, drinking, or fear of harm 4. Feeling detached from reality 5. Obsessively seeking alcohol or drugs |
| Physical Response |
| 1. Unexplained physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomachaches, recurring aches and pains) 2. Sleep pattern changes 3. Altered appetite (e.g., increased hunger or loss of appetite) 4. Increased reliance on drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms |
| Behavioral Changes |
| 1. Neglecting self-care tasks: skipping showers, neglecting household cleanliness, or missing doctor’s appointments 2. Experiencing negative consequences from behavior changes related to mental health or substance use (e.g., work issues, lost friendships, forgotten commitments) 3. Facing legal involvement due to mental health changes or substance use |
| Social Interactions |
| 1. Difficulty understanding or connecting with people in your life 2. Avoidance of friends, family, and social activities 3. Rapidly changing friendships |
| Early Warning Signs in Children |
| 1. Academic performance decline or changes in school behavior 2. Excessive worrying or anxiety 3. Unusual fearfulness and clinginess 4. Recurring nightmares 5. Hyperactive behavior 6. Disregarding adult instructions or displaying aggression 7. Regular temper tantrums 8. Increased need for comfort |
In conclusion, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial to acknowledge the importance of understanding, recognizing, and addressing mental health challenges. By shedding light on the definitions, statistics, and signs that indicate a need for support, we hope to empower individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and seek the assistance they deserve. Let’s continue these conversations, break down stigma, and ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need for a healthier, happier life.
Mental Health Resources:
Take mental health test: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline :Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Resources for Finding Support, Treatment, and Therapists
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://locator.apa.org/?_ga=1.243070474.923112978.1477406277
For athletes: https://appliedsportpsych.org/certification/cmpc-directory/
Blog Source:
Recent Comments