During the last year during the COVID19 pandemic, we learned that mental health is real, and it is important. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health problems increased drastically. Americans struggled with a rise in anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse.
Mental health experts took notice and to help, found ways to provide counseling virtually, as well as in-office. They adapted work schedules and got creative when reaching out to those in need. The efforts are paying off.
Finally, the much-needed conversations are happening so that more people know it is okay to seek help for mental health issues.
We must keep the movement going, however. Below is a list of reasons why we must continue to make mental health a priority today.
People Need Help
Research in just this last year has shown that 40% of Americans struggle with some form of mental illness. That’s nearly half the population, ranging from children to the elderly, are affected.
Statistics on mental health disorders among youth are alarming. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports one in six youth under 17 experience a mental health disorder every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among those between the ages of 10 and 34. Half of all mental illnesses begin around the age of 11.
It does not end there. Research shows that nearly 44 million Americans have a mental illness in any given year, and almost 10 million suffer from a serious, debilitating mental illness. It makes sense that mental illness is one of the leading causes of disability in the United States.
The number of people struggling with mental health disorders makes the topic important. Another reason is the effect mental health can have on physical fitness and vice versa.
Mental and Physical Health Are Connected
Your body functions as a whole unit. If you have a problem with your physical health, your mind will respond. Mental illness can produce physical responses.
There is no shortage of research that concludes mental health does affect physical health.
Depression and anxiety, for example, are known to produce symptoms like aches and pains in the body. They can also lead to headaches, fatigue, and the release of stress hormones that create even more negative symptoms.
Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and hormones related to stress can damage the body. If you have underlying medical issues not appropriately treated, your mental health will suffer. Thyroid disease, Lyme disease, and diabetes are a few examples of physical conditions that alter mental health.
Receiving physical and mental health care can improve both, allowing you to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Mental and physical health are not the only things connected. Mental health can affect other areas of your life, like relationships.
Mental Health Affects Relationships
When you have an untreated mental illness, it can affect your relationships throughout your life. Friends and family want to spend time with you, however, mental illness can interfere.
Those who struggle with anxiety and depression often isolate themselves because they feel too sad or too tired to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Other disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia that go untreated can make behaviors unpredictable, making it hard to maintain relationships.
With treatment, including counseling with a licensed mental health professional, relationships can become healthy and enjoyable.
Relationships at work can improve also.
Mental Health Affects Careers
It is impossible to leave a mental illness at home while you go to work. Mental health can’t be turned on and off. When you are working, your mental health issues can make it more challenging to succeed, no matter what job you hold.
Mental health disorders like depression and anxiety can make it hard for you to focus and stay on task. Mental illness can turn frustration into anger and aggressiveness with co-workers. It can make you skip work to sleep in all day and miss project deadlines. It can prevent you from getting good sleep, nutrition, and physical activity- all of which affect your workability.
Seeking treatment is not a bad thing. There has been a stigma around mental health treatment for years, but that seems to be subsiding, however, this is not a reason to slow down treatment promotion. People with mental illness, and their loved ones, need to understand it is like other diseases. It is a medical problem.
Mental Illness is a Medical Problem
When someone, especially a child, has a severe disease, Americans jump into action. Go Fund Me accounts are established, food and gifts are delivered to the family's home, fundraising events are held, and treatment services are offered for free.
Mental illness is a serious disease. So, why are not these activities happening for those suffering from mental health disorders, which can be just as devastating?
Changing the way people respond will further break down stigmas and create a society that invests in healing and loving anyone coping with mental illness.
Mental illness is a treatable medical condition. The more we help people receive treatment, the numbers of assaults, runaways, suicide, domestic violence, addiction, and other problems may decline.
How You Can Help
There are many things you can do to continue promoting the importance of mental health. The first step is to assess your mental health. Make yourself a priority. Participate in self-care activities that make you feel better physically and mentally.
If you find you are struggling with mental health issues, no matter how big or small, seek treatment from a licensed individual counselor. Whether you have the occasional panic attack, have been dealing with extreme mood swings, or feel sad for no reason, ask for help.
Once you are in a good place with your mental health, help others you may know to get help. Pay attention to the words and behaviors of friends, family, and co-workers. Do not be afraid to ask them how they are feeling. Please encourage them to get help. Support them during the process.
Finally, keep spreading the word- that positive mental health is important, everyone deserves it, and the journey can begin today.