What is
mental health anyway?
We hear the term mental health often but what does it mean? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.” (https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health/) Mental health is also a term used to describe an individual’s ability to function in daily living much like physical health. When there are changes in how a person is able to function in daily living they may be suffering from mental health disorder.
Statistics on Mental Health
So how many people have mental health disorders? It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Which is roughly 43 million Americans; of those 43 million about 10 million adults have mental illness that causes them to have difficulty with daily living functions. Children also experience mental health disorders, it is estimated that 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have mental health disorder that is debilitating and effects their daily living functions.(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/2015/mental-health-awareness-month-by-the-numbers.shtml)
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Knowing the symptoms of depression and anxiety can distinguish whether or not you need to seek help. Sometimes we feel down or have a bad week, that is different from having a diagnosable mental health disorder. Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders that can have debilitating affects on how an individual is able to function throughout their day.
If you or someone you know has some of these symptoms for 2 weeks or more it could be a warning sign of depression or anxiety. If you are concerned that you are dealing with a mental health disorder contacting your physician or a mental health professional is the first step in getting an assessment and treatment.
- Sleeping more then usual or having trouble sleeping
- A loss in pleasure or interest in usual activities
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling of helplessness
- Feeling bad about yourself-or that you are a failure
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Having trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Thinking of harming yourself or that you would be better off dead
- Inability to perform daily tasks like getting to work or school
- Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge
- Uncontrollable worry
- Become easily annoyed or irritable
- Restless
- Feeling afraid that something awful might happen
Some people are afraid to seek treatment because they are worried about the stigma attached to the words “mental illness.” Mental health effects individuals just as physical health can. Millions of Americans currently have or at some time in their lives have had a mental health disorder. The good news is that just as there are treatments for physical health conditions there are also treatments for mental health conditions. Some treatments include seeing a mental health professional such as a clinical social worker, or psychologist for counseling services. Clinicians in the mental health field use evidenced-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapy to treat mental health disorders. At Adaptive Counseling & Case Management we strive to give the best care possible to our clients. We believe in the connection between the mind, body, spirit and join you in the journey by giving non-judgmental, strength-based support, working as an integrated team that supports your overall health and well being.
