May Is Mental Health Month; Focus On Youth, Social Connection

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Mental Health
Article Date: 04 May 2011 - 7:00 PDT


Mental health remains a top public concern, often misunderstood and difficult to diagnose. However, since 1949 May has been officially recognized as Mental Health Month. That's more than 60 years of helping people better understand mental illness, how to take care of their own mental health and act as caregivers for others, and busting mental health stigma.

The focus for this year's awareness campaign is the mental health of young people and an essential component of maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness: social connectedness.

Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 22.1% of Americans ages 18 and older, about 1 in 5 adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.1 Mental disorders can also affect children. According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), mental health problems affect one in five young people as well.

Recognizing the signs of mental illness is important. Feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, or sleep problems are not uncommon. However, when these feelings get very intense, last for long periods of time, or begin to interfere with school, friendships and other relationships, it may be a sign of a mental illness. Depression, attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and anxiety, conduct, and eating disorders are all types of diagnosable mental disorders found in children. Although mental disorders in children are appearing more often, great advances have been made in the areas of diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

This year there are two major conversational campaigns according to Mental Health America's website. First, "Do More for 1 in 4" is a call to action to help the 1 in 4 American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition and the fact that they can go on to live full and productive lives.

The second theme, "Live Well! It's Essential for Your Potential," focuses on the importance of mental wellness and the steps everyone can take to improve their well-being and resiliency in the face of difficult times and challenges. Mental Health America's Live Your Life Well program offers ten science-based tools to manage stress and help you relax, grow and flourish.

Downloadable posters for these two campaigns can be found HERE.

In addition, what are the key signs of depression? Here are the top items and if you experience five or more of these symptoms for two weeks or longer, you may have depression. See a doctor or mental health professional for help right away. It's also important to connect to the people in your life who care about you and can give you support.

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
• Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping more than usual
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of pleasure and interest in once-enjoyable activities
• Restlessness, irritability
• Difficulty concentrating at work or at school or difficulty remembering things or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Mental health is how we think, feel and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Sources: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Mental Health America

Written By Sy Kraft
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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