NYSSCA EDGE | December 2020
If you are feeling depressed, angry, or anxious – you are not alone. There is no one to blame for it and there should be no shame in it. We all experience mental health problems from time to time. Feelings like sadness, worry, anger, fear, and grief are understandable reactions to negative events in our lives, and typically do not last very long. But if these feelings continue for long periods, become overwhelming, and ‘get in the way’ of daily life, then something more serious may be happening. Mental health difficulties cover a whole range of negative feelings that just won’t go away. A person can have unpredictable moods, anxiety, trouble sleeping, eating problems, or just feel really, really sad all the time. The good news is that mental health issues can be managed and overcome. The sooner one gets help, the quicker these feelings will go away. About 90% of those in treatment are successful.
Mental health is the part of your overall health that focuses on: How you feel, think, and behave How you cope with the ups and downs of everyday life How stress affects you How you deal with the negative things that happen in your life How you feel about yourself and your life How you see yourself and your future Your self-esteem and your confidence
Contributing Factors to mental health problems:
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Biological Factors- Such as genetics - whether a family member has a mental health issue
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Negative Early Life Experiences- For example - abuse, neglect, death of a loved one, or discrimination, trauma Individual Factors- For example - self-esteem, thoughts about yourself and others, being bullied for your race or sexual identity Current social circumstances- For example - school, work, relationship or family stress, or negative life events; such as COVID and social unrest
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