7 minute read
Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health deserves more than ever. our attention
BY DR. MICHELLE YETMAN
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with some form of a mental health condition. living with some form of a mental health condition. They are our friends, our family members, and our co-workers. One in four adult Americans have a diagnosed mental health condition. Many of these diagnosed mental health condition. Many of these individuals get up every day and make meaningful contribu individuals get up every day and make meaningful contributions to society, all while privately struggling with their own tions to society, all while privately struggling with their own issues. Since May is designated as Mental Health Awareness
Month, let’s use this opportunity to educate ourselves on how let’s use this opportunity to educate ourselves on how we can positively protect our own mental health, along with that of our children and others.
First and foremost, we must make a concerted effort to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health struggles so more people will seek the help they need without fear of being negatively labeled. Individuals’ suffering with mental health should not be treated any differently than those diagnosed with other diseases.
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and
social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Over the course of your life, mental health problems will likely impact your thinking, mood, and behavior. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including: • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse • Family history of mental health problems
Mental health challenges are common and often a normal reaction to life stressors. It is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help in life. When life becomes overwhelming, it is important to know that there are valuable resources that are available that can help an individual manage and cope. We should all be vigilant about protecting our mental health, just as we try to stay in the best physical shape possible. Managing stress, maintaining social contacts, and engaging in purposeful tasks all help to bring balance to our lives. It is important to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Below are simple, practical suggestions to help promote mental well-being: First and foremost, we must make a concerted effort to elim 1. Talk about your feelings. Do not let negative emotions build inate the stigma associated with mental health struggles so up. Talking things out can often resolve issues. If you do more people will seek the help they need without fear of being not have family or friends who are willing to listen, therapy negatively labeled. Individuals’ suffering with mental health can be a valuable way to help process things and learn more should not be treated any differently than those diagnosed about yourself. You can also develop effective coping skills. 2. Keep active. Regular exercise has been shown to be a wonMental health includes our emotional, psychological, and derful stress reliever. It can improve concentration, mood, It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also and sleep. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and the mental health benefits are many. make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, 3. Eat well. You are what you eat! A healthy diet can impact mood and improve cognitive functioning. Over the course of your life, mental health problems will likely impact your thinking, mood, and behavior. Many factors con 4. Drink sensibly. Alcohol is a depressant. Drinking to change our mood can make bad things seem worse. Alcohol or drugs are never effective coping strategies. When the sub-
Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry stances wear off, you will feel worse. Never use alcohol or substances to manage difficult emotions.
Family history of mental health problems Mental health challenges are common and often a normal re action to life stressors. It is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help in life. When life becomes overwhelming, it is important to know that there are valuable resources that should all be vigilant about protecting our mental health, just It is important to take care of yourself, both physically and up. Talking things out can often resolve issues. If you do not have family or friends who are willing to listen, therapy can be a valuable way to help process things and learn more Regular exercise has been shown to be a won and sleep. In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the mental health benefits are many. drugs are never effective coping strategies. When the sub stances wear off, you will feel worse. Never use alcohol or
5. Keep in touch. Loneliness is a toxic emotion. It is essential for people to maintain meaningful relationships throughout their lifespan. Calling or texting someone to let them know you are thinking of them will brighten someone’s day and is a good thing for your mental health. 6. Ask for help. Life can be hard. No one is superhuman and there is no shame in asking for help. Therapists and doctors specialize in treating individuals who are having mental health challenges. If you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out. Things can get better, but you might need to ask for some help first.
7. Do something you’re good
at or what you love. What did you do for fun as a child? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? People who had hobbies faired better during the pandemic. Enjoying yourself
can help you beat stress. Work to find a group of people who also enjoy the same hobby. throughout their lifespan. 8. Finally, accept who you are. No one is perfect. Acknowledging your weaknesses and ing of them will brighten being proud of your strengths is part of being a mature adult. thing for your mental health. Growth is a lifelong process. Continue to discuss what you like about you. hard. No one is superhuman you ever feel overwhelmed, ter, but you might need to ask you do for fun as a child? What in? What did you love doing in pandemic. Enjoying yourself also enjoy the same hobby.
Finally, accept who you are.
No one is perfect. Acknowl being proud of your strengths Continue to discuss what you
Michelle Yetman, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Associate Professor Clinical at the Children’s Center at the School of Allied Health Professions at LSU Health Shreveport.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS EARLY WARNING SIGNS
Ƚ Eating or sleeping too much or too little Ƚ Pulling away from people and activities Ƚ Having low or no energy Ƚ Feeling numb or like nothing matters Feeling numb or like nothing matters Ƚ Having unexplained aches and pains Ƚ Feeling helpless or hopeless Ƚ Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more
than usual
Ƚ Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on
edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
Ƚ Yelling or fighting with family and friends Yelling or fighting with family and friends Ƚ Experiencing severe mood swings that
cause problems in relationships
Ƚ Having persistent thoughts and memories
you can't get out of your head you can't get out of your head
Ƚ Hearing voices or believing things that are Hearing voices or believing things that are
not true
Ƚ Thinking of harming yourself or others Ƚ Inability to perform daily tasks: taking
care of your kids, getting to work/school
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others - Call 911. Substance Abuse and If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others - Call 911. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline 800-985-5990. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741.
Generations of care
We’re here for you and your family through the stages of life, with the strength of the cross, the protection of the shield. The Right Card. The Right Care.
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