Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
For nearly 70 years, Mental Health America has observed Mental Health Month each May. This year, National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day will take place on Thursday, May 10th. Both events are intended to remind Americans that mental health is an essential part of a person’s overall health and well-being and that mental illnesses are both common and treatable.
Being able to talk about how you feel is crucial to good mental health. If you are experiencing a mental health issue, talk to an individual you trust or ask them just to sit with you. Being with a supportive person can help you open up or at least feel less alone. It is important to remember that people experience the symptoms of mental health conditions differently. For some individuals having depression is like fighting an exhausting battle against themselves while for others it seems like they are drowning without anyone noticing. Other common symptoms can include feeling inadequate, guilty, irritable, empty and/or pessimistic.
To obscure or avoid the symptoms of mental health issues, adolescents can engage in potentially dangerous or risky behaviors, including obsessive internet or social media use, disordered patterns of exercise, excessive spending and/or substance abuse. These issues should be addressed in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way so effective mental health treatment can be provided. Recovery is possible at all stages of a mental health condition. However, the earlier you take action, the easier it is to get better.
Response is a term that mental health professionals use to refer to improvement in an individual as a result of treatment. One positive outcome can be resilience, the ability to adapt to stress and change in a way that makes you a stronger person. Through treatment, you will learn what does and does not help you feel better. Peer support can be extremely beneficial. Be kind to yourself and keep working toward the life you want. Happiness and joy can be part of your world again! #YouAreNotAlone #MHM2018