Mental Health Issues, What You Should Know

Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellness. Mental stability affects how we think, feel, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make life choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood, teen years, and throughout adulthood.

Throughout your life, if you experience mental health problems, such as your thinking, mood, or other mental or emotional issues, your behavior will likely be affected. Several factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

• Biological factors, such as genetics or brain chemistry imbalances
• Life experiences, such as being traumatized or abused
• Family history of mental health issues

Mental health problems are more common than you might think but help is available. Today's mental health experts are learning more about how to deal with this condition, therefore you should not be afraid or ashamed to seek help. Help is available!

Early Warning Signals

Frequent or consistent feelings or behaviors of one or more of the list below could mean you may be suffering from a mental health issue.

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and social activities
• Having little or no energy
• Feeling numb or like your life doesn't matter
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or dealing with recurring hopelessness
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or afraid
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends regularly
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships 
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't resist
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true when they are
• Thinking of harming yourself or someone else
• Inability to perform daily tasks such as taking care of your kids, working or going to school 

Mental Health and Wellness

Positive mental health allows people to:

• Realize their full potential
• Cope with life stresses 
• Work productively
• Make meaningful contributions to your life and community

Ways to maintain positive mental health include:

• Getting professional help if you need it
• Connecting with others
• Staying positive
• Getting physically active, brisk walks, exercising, running
• Helping others
• Getting adequate sleep
• Developing coping skills

There is no need to feel ashamed if you are experiencing any of the issues above. Because Mental Health is no longer hidden or taboo, Health Professionals are available and educated on how to treat you or your loved one. Call your Doctor, or go to your local emergency room if you feel you need help.