May is for Mental Health

By Cassie Johnson

May is Mental Health Awareness Month which presents the perfect opportunity for our readers to reflect on its importance. For years, the term ‘mental health’ carried a horrible reputation. It was associated with anti-social behavior and insanity, and those diagnosed were often locked away in institutions for life. Nowadays, that response to the term has largely been eliminated, so let’s shed some light on mental health facts.

In the United States alone, 1 in 20 adults experiences a mental illness each year. About 31% of individuals live with a diagnosed substance abuse disorder which is now considered a mental health issue. Even young children are at risk. From the ages of 6 to 17 years old, one in six children experiences mental or behavioral health problems.

“This month encourages individuals to talk about mental health and seek help if needed,” Cynthia Turner, Certified Prevention Specialist at the Four Rivers Prevention Center told me. “No one is ever judged for seeking help for their physical health issues and it should be the same for our mental health.”

Understanding Mental Health

It can be tricky to comprehend the thought process of someone who is struggling with mental health. One of the most important things you can do is offer support to loved ones affected by these conditions and guide them to the right help. Feelings of isolation can lead to depression and even worse, suicide. In Kentucky, suicide is the second leading cause of death in children and adults ages 10 - 34.

“If there is any reason to think that an individual might be having suicidal ideations, then a more serious conversation asking that person directly 'Are you thinking about suicide?' needs to take place,” advised Turner “We are all human and sometimes we aren’t in an emotionally healthy mindset to be able to have that conversation. It is vitally important you find someone who can.”

Mental Health Affects Your Body

Stress and anxiety can cause mild effects in adults such as headaches, sleepless nights, and ulcers. Children may fidget, pull their hair, or scratch themselves until their skin is raw. These are nothing in comparison to the serious long-term effects – a higher risk of heart attacks or cardiovascular disease, strokes, diabetes, even cancer.

“Just as we need to take care of our physical health we need to pay attention to our mental health,” said Miranda Farthing, LPCC at Emerald Therapy Center in Murray. “Mental health doesn’t need to be met with fear, but rather with curiosity, grace, and understanding. Mental health is a gift just like everything in life. When life happens or is taken for granted, there are problems. If we meet mental health with understanding, bravery, and compassion then our thoughts, heart, sense, or self-worth can be made whole. You will see that you are a gift.”

Positive Vibes

Being positive needs to be a top priority. Be happy, share a smile or a word of encouragement with a friend or even a stranger. You never know what battles someone may be facing and your kind words could make a huge impact on their day. This can be as simple as asking someone about their day. Everyone wants to know they aren’t alone and someone cares for them.

Numerous studies throughout the years have proven that social media plays a large role in the mental health of children and adults. As you scroll through the newsfeed, make positive posts. A simple comment such as, “You are beautiful!” might be the encouraging words that a friend you haven’t seen in a few years needed to hear. Rather than sharing bad news or negativity, positively use your platform.

Take time for YOU

We all face daily levels of stress and anxiety. Finding the time to manage them can be difficult in our constantly busy days. Even if you only have five minutes in between leaving for soccer practice and making it on time to dance lessons, take a few minutes to focus on yourself. There are several good apps you can download that will help you practice calming, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. Both have been shown to significantly lower blood pressure and improve mental health.

Warmer days and beautiful weather are here, so enjoy a walk either on your own or with your family. Sit outside in the sunshine, allowing the sun’s vitamin D to naturally refresh you. Before we can help others, we must first take care of ourselves.

For years, the stigma associated with mental health kept many people from seeking help and caused them to suppress their feelings. Most insurance companies now cover mental health services. For resources and tips on recognizing mental health issues and how you can help, visit https://afsp.org. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 800.273.8255 or text 741741. 