Recognizing mental health issues, where to find help

Mental health is equally as important as physical health, so it’s critical to recognize if we’re having mental health challenges and know where to seek help, if needed.

A growing number of adults and youth across the United States are facing mental health problems. Nearly 21 percent of U.S. adults experienced a mental illness from 2019 to 2020, which equals more than 50 million people, according to a 2023 report from Mental Health America. The survey also found:

• Most individuals with a substance use disorder in the U.S. aren’t receiving treatment. In the past year, 15.35 percent of adults had a substance abuse disorder, and 93.5 percent of these individuals didn’t receive any treatment.

• Millions of adults in the U.S. are reporting serious thoughts of suicide (4.84 percent), which totals more than 12.1 million people. The highest rate is among multiracial individuals. For adults who identified with two or more races, 11 percent reported serious thoughts of suicide.

• Over one in 10 youth in the U.S. are experiencing depression that is severely impairing their ability to function at school, work or home, with family or in their social life. In the past year, 16.39 percent of youth (ages 12 to 17) reported suffering from at least one major depressive episode. More than 2.7 million youth (11.5 percent) are experiencing severe major depression.

• More than 1.5 million youth (6.34 percent) reported a substance use disorder in the past year and met the criteria for an illicit drug or alcohol use disorder.

• Over half of adults with a mental illness (54.7 percent) don’t receive treatment, equaling more than 28 million individuals nationwide. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities offers some tips to help people of all ages navigate mental health issues.

“We recommend people reach out for help when these problems begin to be a cause for concern or when they begin to impact the person’s ability to relate to others, perform typical duties, or otherwise begin to interfere with their quality of life,” said Dawn Peel, director of crisis intervention for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. “It’s very important to reach out early for intervention instead of waiting until the condition rises to the level of a crisis.”

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect thinking, emotions and behaviors, according to Mental Health America. There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, and some common disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.

These illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these. The brain has changed in a way that makes the person unable to think, feel or act as desired, but with proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

Here are some common signs and symptoms for mental illness in adults and adolescents from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

• Excessive worrying or fear

• Feeling excessively sad or low

• Confused thinking or problems concentrating

• Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria

• Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger

• Avoiding friends and social activities

• Difficulties understanding or relating to others

• Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy

• Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite

• Changes in sex drive

• Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don’t exist)

• Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight”)

• Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs

• Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)

• Thinking about suicide

• Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress

• Intense fear of weight gain or appearance

In children, symptoms of mental health conditions are behavioral, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. These symptoms may include:

• Changes in school performance

• Excessive worry or anxiety, such as fighting to avoid bed or school

• Hyperactive behavior

• Frequent nightmares

• Frequent disobedience or aggression

• Frequent temper tantrums

Where to Seek Help

Receiving proper care and treatment are essential to overcoming mental illness, but some people may not have health insurance or can’t afford mental health services with a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist. The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities recommends these resources:

• Georgia Assn. of Community Service Boards:

“In Georgia, there is a network of Community Service Board providers who can assess and treat individuals with mental health conditions,” Peel said. “They serve individuals who are uninsured as well as those who are underinsured and provide a wide array of services to include assessment, medication management, counseling and other supportive services.”

For more info, visit https://www.gacsb.org and use the Resources tab to find providers in your area.

• Georgia Crisis and Access Line: The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) provides 24/7/365 crisis assessment services, but it can also link people to treatment providers in their area regardless of insurance or insurance type. GCAL can be reached by calling 800-715-4225 or by text/chat using the MyGCAL app which can be downloaded for Apple and Android devices.

• Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities: Visit the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities website and click on the tab to Find Services & Contacts: https:// dbhdd.georgia.gov/how-do-i-find-dbhdd-services.

• Federally Qualified Health Centers: Many Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Georgia provide primary care and behavioral health services. For more information, visit https:// dch.georgia.gov/federally-qualified-health-centersfqhcs-community-health-centers-chcs.

ZEN … Notes from here, there and the Internet …

The Coweta County School System extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and long-time colleagues of Mrs. Sue Brown, who passed away on Saturday, February 18. A life-long educator and music teacher, Mrs. Brown also served 16 years on the Coweta County Board of Education representing District 2, and was the first woman to serve as school board chair. [ [ [

THIS IS SO SAD ... RIP Mr. Henry! Great employee and ambassador for Arnall Grocery Company for so many, many years. He will surely be missed. From Arnall Grocery: “Sorry to report that Mr. Henry Vaughn has passed away. He loved to take care of his customers. The loyalty and dedication he showed is unsurpassed. He is missed by many.” [ [ [

Yamaha’s commitment to Community isn’t just through straight donations. We also encourage our team to volunteer, and we back that up with a promise. As our team turns in the hours they have volunteered with a nonprofit, we donate $15 for every hour back to the organization they supported. [ [ [

BBQCountry announces TINA CANNON as the 4th of 12 Professional Pitmasters for Season 1 of Barbecue Country. Tina Cannon has over 35 years in the culinary industry. She is a classically trained chef that has worked in many capacities in professional kitchens. Tina volunteers at the local culinary school teaching and inspiring students in various culinary classes. In 2022 Tina cooked over 50 K meals alone, single handedly for Meals on Wheels of Coweta. [ [ [

Doug Hand has joined Lindsey’s, Inc. Realtors

Doug Hand was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia and is a second generation realtor. He graduated from Presbyterian College with a BS in Business. With over 13 years of experience as a licensed Realtor, Doug’s experience spans all aspects of residential, land and commercial real estate. Doug is a big sports fan and enjoys playing golf, going to concerts and spending time with family. Please reach out to Doug with any real estate needs or questions. He would be glad to help!

MLS #20005781

24+/- ACRES ON POPLAR ROAD AT YEAGER ROAD INTERSECTION. Already zoned C-6 with water and sewer. Ideal for multiuse development. $7,000,000 for all or will consider subdividing front 5 acres for $500,000 per acre and back 19+/- acres for $250,000 per acre. Frank / Chip.

HURRY ON THIS 14.41+/- WOODED ACRE TRACT ON US HWY 29 approximately 5 miles north of Newnan! 819.25’ Road frontage. Small pond. Ideal for development, church, school, estate size lot or possible subdivision. $599,900. Frank / Chip.

JESS BARRON, GRI Associate Broker 678-857-9350

JessB@LindseysRealtors.com

MLS #10110852

2 VACANT BUILDING LOTS IN WEST COWETA COUNTY with county water and electricity available. Country setting on East Coggin but easy access to Newnan, Franklin, and Carrollton. $60,000 per lot. Frank and Jess.

CASH FLOW OPPORTUNITY

NEW LISTING ON WHITE OAK GOLF COURSE. Delightful brick home with great floorplan. Has family room with brick fireplace, 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances, cooking island, and receiving room, front and side porches plus fenced backyard for outdoor living. Beautifully landscaped with fruit trees, firepit, brick patio and walkways and so much more. See to appreciate at $650,000. Frank/Jess.

MLS

GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN HISTORIC NEWNAN! Level

MLS #10021670

12 CHOICE BUILDING LOTS IN GRANTVILLE. BULK SALE ONLY. Easy access to I-85, Atlanta, Newnan, LaGrange and Columbus. Seller will only sell as a bundle, not individual lots. $420,000. Frank/Jess.

LOTS/LAND

3 VACANT LOTS IN ASHLEY WOODS. Subject to Covenants & Restrictions of record. Nicely wooded lots. No HOA. Possible bsmt lots. Lots 15, 16 & 17 are available for $29,900 each. Frank.

MLS #10101800

109 RESIDENTIAL LOTS IN MANCHESTER, GA! Manchester city water, sewer & electricity available. Schools nearby! Walk to downtown Manchester. $30,000 per lot. BULK SALE ONLY. Frank/Jess

LOTS/LAND

2 WOODED VACANT LOTS in West Coweta on East Coggins Road. Easy access to Newnan, Franklin or Carrollton. $60,000 per lot. Frank/Jess.

RESIDENTIAL LOT ON BERRY AVENUE IN TOWN. All utilities available. $29,900 Frank.

MLS #10073522

6.47 ACRES ZONED GENERAL COMMERCIAL! Convenient to Hwy 34 Bypass & downtown Newnan. Great opportunity for many potential uses. New Price $499,000. Frank and Chip

LOTS/LAND

12 CHOICE BUILDING LOTS in Grantville. Easy access to I-85, Atlanta, Newnan, LaGrange and Columbus. Sold ‘as is’. $420,000 Bulk Sale Only. Frank/Jess.

AMLAJACK 255.5+/- ACRES WITH HALF MILE FRONTAGE ON I-85 between 2 industrial parks. $17,890,600. Frank.

Residential Lot within walking distance to Atkinson Elementary and Newnan High School. Build your dream home! $85,000. Jess. SOLD! SOLD!

VACANT LOTS IN ASHLEY WOODS SUBDIVISION. Subject to Covenants and Restrictions of record. Nicely wooded lots. Possible basement lot. Lots 15, 16 & 17 are listed and priced individually at $29,900 each. Frank.

SITE OF PROPOSED NEW INTERCHANGE ON I-85 NORTH OF NEWNAN 255 Acres on I- 85 North of Newnan. Between 2 Industrial parks, 27-acre Lake. All utilities available $70,000 per acre Frank owner/agent.

COMMERCIAL

NEW POPLAR ROAD COMMERCIAL LISTING. 24+/- ACRES zoned C-6 (multiple uses) commercial. Water and sewer already in place. $7,000,000. Will subdivide. Frank/Chip. COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

FOR LEASE – 3,200 s/f upstairs office space - $750 per month (Owner/Agent) Frank.