May is National Mental Health Month and it raises awareness about mental illness and related issues in the United States. In recent times, attitudes towards mental health issues appear to be changing. Negative attitudes and stigma associated with mental health have reduced and there has been growing acceptance towards mental health issues and support for people with them. BRMS wants to help support Mental Health Awareness and let those suffering know how to get help if it’s needed!
Did you know over 43.8 million adults experience a mental illness in a given year? That is almost 20% of our American population! Mental illness can range from more serious disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to other more common disorders like depression and anxiety. All of these are serious and know that if you are experiencing any of them you should not be afraid to ask for help.
Three ways you can get help with a mental illness are:
- Talk with your doctor
- Connect with other individuals and families that may be experiencing something similar
- Learn more about mental illness and be educated on the topic. You can learn more at www.nami.org
There are also several things you can do for self care and to help benefit your mental health. These include:
- Value yourself, know your self worth and get help
- Take care of your body, eat healthy and exercise. A healthy body can lead to a healthy mind.
- Surround yourself with good people and know that you can talk to them.
- Learn how to deal with stress.
- Break up monotony.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs. If you are experiencing a mental illness drugs and alcohol can tend to make things worse. Its best to avoid them until you figure out whats going on.
- Get help when you need it, don’t wait until its too late!
Also be aware of the warning signs of a mental illness.
- Sleep or appetite changes
- Mood changes
- Problems thinking
- Feeling disconnected or illogical thinking
- Unusual behavior
