May is here. May is Mental Health Awareness month. This was started in 1949 to actively address the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with mental illness. Since then, the environmental and societal challenges have only gotten worse.
Societal pressures and expectations arising due to the advent of social media are not very good for mental health in general, one could agree,
Adults are no longer immune to these pressures or a certain meanness that arises from such behaviors which is traditionally associated with high school behavior.
1 in every 5 American struggles with some kind of mental health issue and only half of them is receiving any kind of care.
Most mental illnesses arise by the time someone is in their teens and the remaining arise by their early twenties.
Access is still an issue in our health care system, and this is further complicated by the stigma attached to these diagnoses.
This is completely unacceptable.
One treats high blood pressure or diabetes, or cholesterol, however we are unable to even talk about our mental health struggles. This is due to lack of awareness about mental health, and mental health issues, denial, avoidance due to stigma. And preconceived notions about these diagnoses. Even a well-meaning friend or family member is often times unequipped or simply doesn’t know how to handle these issues.
There are a lot of experienced providers and resources that are available for these individuals and their near and dear ones.
National Institute of Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness are some of the organizations that have abundant resources in their websites to help.
The Suicide Hotline is now 988 instead of 1800 number to make it easier to access.
In this fast-paced world one could easily get carried away by outward appearances, the instant gratifications and relationships of convenience.
It is extremely important for parents to teach compassion and empathy to their children so in turn their children can also receive it when they are in need. These qualities should be seen as cool qualities and not looked down on.
It is absolutely important to get your depression screened annually with your physician. Get your vitamin B12, D levels, Thyroid levels etc. checked annually. The deficiencies can cause depression and mood issues.
A healthy lifestyle with balanced diet and regular exercise is good for mental health.
As an integrative health care provider, the supplement of the month is magnesium. Magnesium glycinate is very good for mood and sleep. Relora is another one that I personally love.
As a physician that treats mental health, and as someone that deals with mental health issues personally, I urge everyone to take a moment and check on that friend, that family member, that child, that neighbor, that is struggling. You might just save someone.
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