Mental health is as crucial as physical health. It affects our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of mental health issues, but much work remains to be done.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health disorders can manifest in various ways, from mild to severe. Jill Wonder, a licensed mental health counselor at Plains Area Mental Health Center, says mental health encompasses many factors.
“Our thoughts and our emotions form the basis for our mental health. Nonetheless, it also includes how we feel physically, and the external reactions and responses we have to certain emotions or triggers.”
According to Wonder, some common mental health conditions include:
- Depression: A persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
- Anxiety: Excessive worry and fear, often leading to physical symptoms.
- Bipolar Disorder: Fluctuating moods, including extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression).
- Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thoughts and perceptions.
- Eating Disorders: Disturbed eating patterns, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s essential to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek help when needed.
How common are mental health conditions?
Wonder explains that mental health diagnoses are more common than most people realize.
“According to the Center for Disease Control, more than one in five adults in the US live with mental illness. For our youth, which is classified as ages 13 to 18, about 20% currently, or at some point throughout their lives, will experience a serious mental illness.”
What are the causes for mental health conditions?
Risk factors for mental health issues include a lack of housing, health care, education, or lack of access to employment. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are also considered Wonder noted.
“ACEs include the trauma that happened or occurred during your most formative years. This includes social isolation, a lack of emotional well-being or coping skills, chronic medical conditions, or substance use. ACEs could be something as simple as having a ball thrown at your head on the playground, or as serious as a death in the family, or experiencing child abuse.”
Can mental health conditions be prevented?
Wonder says rather than prevention, protecting ourselves from risk factors may help us manage stressors that may occur.
“Having access to quality employment, housing, education and any other services like mental health services is a huge positive. Creating a strong social connection and support and having at least one stable positive relationship is really impactful for one’s mental health. Being able to learn healthy coping skills, having activities and hobbies, areas of interest, are all things that can help us with our mental health.”
How to Promote Mental Health Awareness
Here are some ways to promote mental health awareness:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options.
- Start Conversations: Talk openly about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Practice Self-Care: Prioritize activities that promote mental well-being, such as mindfulness, exercise, and spending time in nature.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to consult a mental health professional.
Resources and Support
Plains Area Mental Health Center has walk-in hours where people can complete their intake to get started with services. It is available Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 2:30 pm and on Friday from 8 am to 1:30 pm. A crisis line is available for anyone to call, 24 hours a day, at 1-888-546-0730. For more information, go online at PlainsAreaMentalHealth.org.
Additional resources include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Let’s work together to promote mental health awareness.
