Mental Health and You: Help Is Out There

Oct 3, 2018 8:07:47 AM / by Voyage Healthcare Team posted in Family Medicine, Health Tips

Whether it’s a family member, friend, or something in the news, mental health issues are quite prevalent in our country. Not too many of us have been left untouched by mental illness. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 43.8 million adults and 20 percent of youth ages 13 to 18 in America suffer from a mental health condition each year. 

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The good news is, awareness also is growing. Mental health centers are popping up in schools, workplaces are offering intervention programs, and doctors’ offices are providing effective treatment. So, if you or a loved one is suffering from a mental health condition or illness, you should know, you’re not alone.

It’s important to note, if you need immediate help, contact 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 (or online chat).

What is Mental Health Anyway?

Mental health is a state of well-being. The importance of mental health is that it helps determine what you think, how you feel, how you act, the choices you make, and how you relate to others. Mental health means you can cope with normal life stresses, contribute to society, and work productivity.

Throughout life, different experiences, such as a trauma or hardship, can have a profound impact on mental health. Family history, each individual’s brain chemistry, and biology also determine a person’s mental health and the chance of facing a mental health illness.

When a person has a mental health condition, their judgment, mood, and relationships can all be affected. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that symptoms are different for everybody—even for those with the same illness. If you’re not sure if you or someone you know is just having a bad week or is experiencing a bigger issue, here are a few early warning signs of a possible mental health condition:

  • Eating or sleeping too little or too much
  • Having low energy
  • Prolonged sadness
  • Changes in sex drive
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Excessive fears and worries
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Difficulty relating to others
  • Inability to carry out daily activities and handle daily stress

Types of Mental Health Conditions

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health illness in the US. It’s common for those suffering from anxiety to also suffer from depression: nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

There are many other types of mental health illnesses beyond depression and anxiety. Mental illness can take on many forms, such as behavioral disorders like bipolar; eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa; mood disorders; personality disorders such as obsessive-compulsiveness; psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia; trauma or stress-related disorders like post-traumatic stress disorder; and substance use caused by mental illness.

Positivity Can Go a Long Way

When faced with a mental illness, maintaining a positive mental state can be critical to successful treatment. It can reduce feelings of stress, lead to clearer thinking, reduce the risk of depression, and bring a sense of calm.

You might be saying “that’s great, but how?” Start with small things: get plenty of sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. It’s also beneficial to stay in touch with friends, break up the monotony in your life, and ask for help when you need it.

Getting Help

If you think you or a friend might have a mental illness, there are a lot of free resources available 24 hours a day.

For immediate help:

Additional mental health services:

Help for service members and families:

  • Military OneSource: (800) 342-9676
  • Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255 

Mental Health Awareness Day

October 10, 2018 is World Mental Health Day, a day for global education and awareness of the importance of mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes this day and works with governments to promote mental well-being, prevent mental disorders, and provide care for those with mental health issues.

Turn to Voyage Healthcare

If you find that you or a loved one is battling a mental disorder, we are here for you. At Voyage Healthcare, we provide a wide range of services. We recommend starting with your family medicine provider. They will work to get you the help you need to get on a path to a healthy lifestyle and positive mental state. Call or visit our website today to schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient metro locations.

Do you have other questions you’d like to ask your doctor? Take a look at our free guide to discover how to get the most out of your medical care.

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Voyage Healthcare Team

Written by Voyage Healthcare Team

Voyage Healthcare is an independently owned, multi-specialty healthcare clinic — guided by the doctors who care for families in the northwest metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

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