May is Mental Health Month. Since the start of the pandemic, more and more people are talking about mental health. A growing number of people are beginning to see it for what it is: an important part of your overall health and well-being, just like your physical health. But mental health issues, resources, and conversations can still feel complicated and out of reach.
Are there common warning signs for mental health issues or seizures? Specific factors that can lead to mental health issues or even seizures? What resources are available – and how do I know if they are right for me? Many people are new to mental health topics.
Having a broad understanding of the topic can help you be better informed if you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health issue or crisis. Researchers from Mental Health America determined that nearly half of people in the United States will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health disorder at some point in their lives, so everyone should know what to watch out for.
Everyone should have the support they need to thrive. Communities that have been historically and currently oppressed face a greater mental health burden due to the added impact of trauma, oppression and harm. There is often no single cause for a mental health problem. Instead, there are many possible risk factors that can influence the likelihood of someone suffering from a mental health problem or the severity of symptoms. According to Mental Health America some risk factors for mental health problems include: trauma, which can be a one-time or ongoing event; your environment and its impact on your health and quality of life (also called social determinants of health such as financial stability and access to health care); genetic; brain chemistry; and your habits and lifestyle, such as lack of sleep.
Of course, understanding the risk factors for a mental health problem can be more difficult when it comes to your own mental health. Take time to question your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if it’s part of a pattern that may be caused by a mental health issue. Here are some questions to get you started:
- Did things that seemed easy start to seem difficult to you?
- Does the idea of doing everyday chores like making your bed now seem really, really difficult?
- Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you used to enjoy?
- Do you feel resentful, perhaps to the point of lashing out at people you care about?
Our society focuses much more on physical health than mental health, but both are equally important. If you are concerned about your mental health, you have several options. You are not alone – help is there and healing is possible. It can be hard to talk about your concerns, but just acknowledging that you’re struggling is a huge step forward. By passing a projection to www.mhascreening.org can help you better understand what you’re going through and get helpful resources. After that, consider telling someone you trust about your results and getting a professional to find the support you need.
While you may not need this information today, knowing the basics of mental health means you’re prepared if you ever need it. Go to the East Shore Community Services website at www.escsb.org to learn more about the resources available here on the east coast. ESCSB’s Office of Prevention Services provides mental health first aid training to the community throughout the year. To register for a course, go to www.escsb.org/events. If you are in crisis or need help with depression, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
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