The Importance of Mental Health
Mind Health is as Important as Body Health
We all face challenges in our lives that can be stressful, emotional and overwhelming. And we all deal with stress, anxiety, grief and worry in different ways.
If there’s one positive to come from the global pandemic, it’s a renewed awareness…and importance…of our mental health.
What is mental health?
Mental health is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Whether you’re a child, an adolescent or an adult, it drives how you think, feel, and act. Many factors can shape your mental health, including:
- Your biological makeup, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Your life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- A family history of mental health issues
It’s a touchy subject
Certain topics, such as addiction and weight gain, aren’t easy to bring up with your doctor. That is especially true of your mental health.
“Mental health sometimes gets overlooked, or patients are hesitant to it bring up,” says Bradley Sevy, DO, an Adena Board Certified Family Medicine Physician. “We’re seeing a lot more anxiety and depression these days.”
Although it is commonly thought that the pandemic has contributed to the recent rise in mental health issues, Dr. Sevy also sees ties to the internet and social media.
“Many people, particularly today’s youth, are a lot more accessible to opinions, influences and commentary through social media and cellphones,” s Dr. Sevy said. “These channels have become cultural staples and can raise people’s vulnerability to criticism and bullying.”
Mental illness is common
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental illnesses in the United States is more common than you might think:
- Over half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives.
- 1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
- 1 in 5 children have experienced a seriously debilitating mental illness.
- 1 in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression.
Know the early warning signs
Everyone feels down from time to time, which is a normal part of life. But if you or a loved one are experiencing one or more of the following signs, it may be something more serious:
- An inability to perform daily tasks like going to work or school
- An increase in Smoking, drinking or drug use
- Believing things that are not true
- Feeling angry, upset, worried or scared
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Feeling like nothing matters
- Feeling numb
- Getting too much (or too little) sleep
- Hearing voices
- Low (or no) energy
- Not eating enough
- Overeating
- Persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
- Pulling away from people and activities
- Severe mood swings
- Sudden confusion, forgetfulness or feeling on edge
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
You have treatment options
There is a wide range of different ways to treat mental health issues. Treatment is highly individualized, and it may take time and a combination of treatment options to be successful.
The most common treatments are psychotherapy (or talking therapy, such as counseling), medication and self-help. Sometimes, just talking to someone can make a world of difference.
Positivity can help, too
When you’re depressed, the last thing you want to hear is ‘cheer up.’ Though mental health goes far beyond our mood and attitude, positive mental health can help you:
- Be more productive
- Deal with stress
- Make meaningful connections to people and your community
- Realize your full potential
Ways to maintain positive mental health can include:
- Connecting with others
- Connecting with others
- Connecting with your community or faith-based organizations
- Cutting down your screen time, especially in the evenings
- Developing coping skills
- Getting enough sleep
- Making time to unwind
- Seeking out professional help if you think you need it
- Taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news
- Taking care of your body
Your mental health matters
If you or a loved one aren’t feeling like your old self, help is always available. If you are concerned you or someone in your family is having a mental health emergency, call your local crisis center, go to an emergency room for evaluation, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text #4HOPE to 741-741.
Adena’s behavioral health experts are here for you, as well. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Reach out for help at 740-779-4888.