Mental Health Matters: Separating Facts from Fiction
Introduction
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by work stress, yet hesitant to share your struggles for fear of judgment? Mental health, an essential part of our well-being, often goes unnoticed in these silent battles.
Understanding mental health helps us build resilience and maintain balance in our lives. In this post, we’ll uncover what mental health truly means, why it’s important and practical strategies to nurture it.
Defining Mental Health: A Closer Look
1. Definition and Explanation*
Mental health is a term that's used to describe the emotional, psychological and social well-being of a person.
The quality of a person's mental health is often measured by how adaptive they are in coping with daily challenges.
Having poor mental health isn't the same as having a mental illness. Mental health actually refers to a person's state of mental well-being regardless of whether they've a psychiatric condition.
*https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-mental-health-2330755
2. Why Mental Health Matters: The Impact on Our Lives*
Our mental health matters because it affects:
(1) Our self-esteem and self-worth;
(2) The way we socialize with others;
(3) The way we find value and meaning in our lives;
(4) Our psychological functioning (as it's tied to memory and problem-solving); and
(5) our physical health.
*https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-mental-health-is-so-important
3. Debunking Mental Health Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction*
Common misconceptions about mental health include the following:
(1) Mental health problems are uncommon
(2) Panic attacks can be fatal
(3) People with mental health conditions can't work
(4) Mental health problems are a sign of weakness
(5) Only people without friends need therapists
(6) Mental health problems are permanent
(7) Addiction is a sign of lack of willpower
(8) Eating disorders only affect females
(9) People with a mental illness are violent
*https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-mental-health-misconceptions
Types of Mental Health Conditions
1. Overview of Common Conditions
There are more than 200 types of mental health conditions. Common ones include the following#:
(1) Anxiety Disorders
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves intense feelings of fear or worry. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-anxiety-disorders-8629891)
Types of anxiety disorders include: (1) generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), (2) panic disorder, (3) social anxiety disorder (SAD), (4) separation anxiety disorder and (5) phobias. (https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-anxiety-disorders-8629891)
(2) Mood Disorders*
There are two types of mood disorders, namely, depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.
Depressive Disorders
These include disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is considered a childhood mood disorder. Children living with this condition can become irritable and angry almost daily.
Feelings of emptiness and despair accompany dysthymia, just like in the case of MDD. But unlike MDD, this condition doesn't come with marked depressive cycles and so one's functioning won't be as impaired.
Symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are often more severe than premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and they can include anxiety, depression and irritability.
MDD, also referred to as clinical depression, is characterized by feelings of loss, sadness, emptiness and despair, and it can impact one's daily life adversely. It's one of the most common mood disorders.
Bipolar Disorders
These include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder and cyclothymic disorder.
Bipolar I disorder consists of at least one mood episode of mania, a heightened state of energy and feelings of elation. While everyone experiences mania differently, it typically leads to impulsivity and irrational behaviors.
Bipolar II disorder is considered to be a milder form of bipolar I disorder. A person with this disorder experiences at least one episode of depression and one episode of hypomania, which is a state of elevated mood that isn’t as intense as mania.
*https://psychcentral.com/health/all-about-mood-disorders#mood-disorder-definition
(3) Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD)
DBD generally occur during childhood, though they may persist into adulthood. The most common DBD are oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder. (https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/disruptive-behavior-disorders)
BDB are sometimes known as externalizing disorders, because they involve directing actions towards other people. And they sometimes involve the following: aggression, defiance, delinquency, hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity and substance use. (https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-disorders-in-children-definition-symptoms-traits-causes-treatment-6889450)
(4) Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a group of related conditions that can cause serious emotional and physical problems. When a person becomes so preoccupied with food and weight issues that it's hard for them to focus on other aspects of their life, it could be an early sign of an eating disorder. (https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders/)
Th types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, pica, rumination disorder and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/eating-disorders/types-of-eating-disorders)
Anorexia Nervosa
People who have anorexia nervosa often have a strong fear of gaining weight and may think they're overweight even when they're thin. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591)
Bulimia Nervosa
A person with bulimia nervosa tends to eat large amounts of food at one meal (binge) and then get rid of it (purge). (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9795-bulimia-nervosa)
Binge-Eating Disorder
People with binge-eating disorder may eat a lot of food in a short amount of time even if they aren’t hungry. Emotional stress or destress often plays a role and might trigger a period of binge eating. (https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/binge-eating-disorder)
Pica
Pica is a disorder that involves regularly eating non-food substances. The condition may resolve on its own, and it may lead to dangerous medical problems if not treated early. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/pica)
Rumination Disorder
A person with rumination disorder, also known as rumination syndrome, tends to regurgitate undigested or partially digested food from the stomach repeatedly. The regurgitated food is then chewed again and swallowed or spit out. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rumination-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377330)
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder is a condition that causes a person to limit the amount and type of food they eat. It isn’t due to a distorted self-image or an attempt to lose body weight, which is common among other eating disorders. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder)
(5) Oppressive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and irrational, excessive urges to do certain actions (compulsions). Although people with OCD may know that their thoughts and behaviors don’t make sense, they are often unable to stop them. (https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-Disorder/)
(6) Personality Disorders*
A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, all-encompassing and disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood and relating to others.
There are 10 types of personality disorders, which are clustered into 3 categories:
Cluster A Personality Disorders
1. Paranoid Personality Disorder
This condition is characterized by paranoia, which is a persistent mistrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason.
2. Schizoid Personality Disorder
This condition is marked by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in interpersonal relationships.
3. Schizotypal Personality Disorder
This condition is marked by a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with and limited need for close relationships.
Cluster B Personality Disorders
1. Antisocial Personality Disorder
People with this condition lack respect for others and they don't follow socially accepted norms or rules.
2. Borderline Personality Disorder
People with this condition have difficulty regulating their emotions.
3. Histrionic Personality Disorder
This condition is characterized by intense and unstable emotions, and a distorted self-image.
4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
People with this condition exhibit a consistent pattern of perceived superiority and grandiosity, and an excessive need for praise and admiration.
Cluster C Personality Disorders
1. Avoidant Personality Disorder
People with this condition have chronic feelings of inadequacy and are highly sensitive to being judged by others negatively.
2. Dependent Personality Disorder
People with this condition have a constant and excessive need to be cared for by others.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
This condition is marked by a consistent and extreme need for orderliness, perfectionism and control.
*https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview
(7) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or a series of traumatic events may suffer from PTSD, and they tend to have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experiences or what they've witnessed that last long after the traumatic events have ended. (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd)
(8) Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects how people think, feel and behave. It may result in a mix of hallucinations, delusions and disorganized thinking and behavior. And people with schizophrenia may seem to lose touch with reality, which can make daily living very hard for them.(https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443)
(9) Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
SUD is a complex condition in which there's uncontrolled use of a substance despite harmful consequences. (https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction-substance-use-disorders/what-is-a-substance-use-disorder) Wikipedia defines it as "the persistent use of drugs despite substantial harm and adverse consequences to self and others." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_use_disorder)
Symptoms of SUD may include behavioral changes, physical changes and social changes. Behavioral changes include a drop in attendance and performance at work or school, and lack of motivation. Physical changes include sudden weight loss or weight gain, and deterioration of physical appearance. Social changes include a sudden change in favorite hangouts and hobbies, and legal problems related to substance use. (https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders)
#The nine common mental health conditions are taken from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22295-mental-health-disorders.
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2. Signs and Symptoms*
The signs and symptoms of mental health conditions can vary, depending on the conditions, circumstances and other factors. But common ones include the following:
(1) Sleep or Appetite Changes
You may notice dramatic sleep and appetite changes in a person with mental health challenges.
(2) Mood Changes
You may notice rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings and greater irritability.
(3) Withdrawal
You may notice recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
(4) Drop in Functioning
You may notice unusual drop in functioning at school, work or social activities, such as failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks.
(5) Problems with Thinking
You may notice problems with concentration, memory or logical thinking that are hard to explain.
(6) Increased Sensitivity
You may notice heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch, and avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
(7) Apathy
You may notice loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity.
(8) Feeling Disconnected
There's a vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings.
(9) Nervousness
Fear or being suspicious of others or a strong nervous feeling may be observed in a person with mental health challenges.
(10) Unusual Behaviors
You may notice odd, uncharacteristic or peculiar behaviors.
(11) School or Work-Related Changes
You may notice increased absenteeism, worsening performance and difficulties in relationships with peers and co-workers.
*https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968
*https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms/
3. Prevalence and Statistics
According to healthdata.org, 13.9% of the world's population experienced mental health disorders in 2021. 18% more people experienced depressive disorders as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 compared to 2019. Similarly, 15% more people experienced anxiety disorders during the same period. (https://www.healthdata.org/research-analysis/health-risks-issues/mental-health)
In the United States, 23.1% of adults had a mental health condition in 2022. And 6% had a serious mental health condition in the same year. (https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-statistics/; https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness)
Factors Influencing Mental Health
1. Genetic Factors
Our genetic makeup plays a part in our mental health. Scientific research has shown that many mental health conditions have a significant genetic component. (https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/genes-mental-health)
Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are some of the mental health conditions that could be due to genetics. (https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/common-genetic-factors-found-5-mental-disorders)
2. Environmental Factors
The places where we spend a lot of time, whether it's home, workplace, school or even socially, can have a significant impact on our mental well-being. (https://www.verywellmind.com/how-your-environment-affects-your-mental-health-5093687)
According to https://www.moriahbehavioralhealth.com, common environmental factors include air pollution, noise pollution, lack of access to green spaces and social isolation.
Air pollution is associated with increased anxiety and depression. Noise pollution is associated with higher levels of stress and irritability. Lack of access to green spaces is associated with poor mood and increased stress. Social isolation is associated with loneliness and depression. (https://www.moriahbehavioralhealth.com/environmental-factors-affecting-mental-health/)
3. Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors that can affect mental health include sleep, physical activity, diet and substance use.
Having adequate sleep is not only essential for physical health; it has an impact on mental health too. (https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health) Lack of sleep has been linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. (https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health; https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/how-sleep-deprivation-affects-your-mental-health)
Physical activity or exercise has been shown to be beneficial for mental health. It has a positive impact on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and schizophrenia. (https://www.nami.org/anxiety-disorders/exercise-for-mental-health-8-keys-to-get-and-stay-moving/)
Diet plays a fundamental role in mental health. A Mediterranean diet has been shown to be beneficial for depression. And a nutrient-dense diet can help to improve one's mood. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7322666/; https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/diet-and-mental-health-can-what-you-eat-affect-how-you-feel#basics)
4. Psychological Factors
Psychological factors that affect mental health include trauma and stress, coping mechanisms, personality traits, and self-esteem and body image.
Exposure to traumatic events or chronic stress can contribute to mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety disorders or depression. I've personally experienced multiple traumas and chronic stress over the years, which have led to my PTSD and chronic anxiety, and I'm still actively working on healing myself.
Ineffective coping mechanisms are maladaptive coping strategies comprising behaviors that are avoidance-based, which don't benefit a person in the long run. (https://positivepsychology.com/coping/)
Personality traits can impact one's mental health significantly by shaping how they view and manage their experiences. (https://insights.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/personality-and-mental-health/)
Neuroticism as a personality trait reflects one's susceptibility to frequent negative moods and intense emotions (https://insights.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/personality-and-mental-health/), which can increase the risk of mental health conditions.
Perfectionism has a negative impact on one's mental health. I'm a perfectionist and I must say that my perfectionistic tendency has adversely affected my mental health.
Low self-esteem can cause depression and anxiety, and it can lead to making poor choices for oneself. (https://thepeakcounselinggroup.org/self-esteem-and-its-relationship-to-mental-health/)
Negative body image includes feeling shame, anxiety or self-conscious about one’s shape as well as a distorted perception of physical appearance. (https://extension.usu.edu/mentalhealth/articles/how-body-image-affects-mental-health)
5. Social Factors
Social factors that affect mental health include relationship issues, social support, socioeconomic factors and work-related stress.
(1) Relationship Issues
Relationship conflicts can have a significant adverse impact on mental health. Relational stress can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and loneliness. (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happy-healthy-relationships/202305/how-relationship-conflict-affects-mental-health)
(2) Social Support
Social support, which is crucial for mental well-being, involves having a network of family and friends you can turn to in times of need. (https://www.verywellmind.com/social-support-for-psychological-health-4119970) And when you lack social support or are socially isolated, it can have an adverse effect on your mental health.
A tyrant has caused my family and friends to betray me since many years ago. As a result, I've become socially isolated. Even though I still live with my family, I can no longer trust anyone in the family. Incidentally, the constant betrayals have caused me to develop serious trust issues.
And for years, I became withdrawn because of the forced isolation caused by the tyrant. Additionally, I suffered much mental turmoil because there was no one I could talk to to unburden the deep emotional pain that I'd experienced.
In the end, I'd to reach out to total strangers for support. And thankfully, they were a lifeline that helped to keep me alive through their prayers when I felt like giving up.
(3) Socioeconomic Factors
Poverty, unemployment or financial uncertainty can increase the risk of mental health conditions.
Poverty
Poverty increases the risk of mental health problems (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/poverty-and-mental-health) as it creates psychological distress. (https://borgenproject.org/connection-poverty-and-mental-health/)
When one has to constantly worry about money and about meeting basic needs, it can lead to anxiety disorders, depression and other mental health issues. (https://healthservicealliance.org/poverty-and-mental-health/)
Unemployment, particularly prolonged unemployment, can cause significant anxiety and stress.
I've been unemployed for a prolonged period because of the constant interference from a tyrant. And it's caused me a great deal of anxiety and stress, besides badly affecting my confidence.
Financial Uncertainty*
Financial uncertainty can lead to chronic anxiety and stress. And it can also cause mood swings, irritability and feelings of hopelessness.
(4) Work-Related Stress
Chronic stress or pressure at work can affect mental health. It can lead to anxiety and depression.*
*https://psychcentral.com/stress/how-stress-affects-mental-health#psychological-effects
6. Cultural Factors
Cultural factors that can affect mental health include cultural norms and values, family and community expectations and language barriers.
Cultural Norms and Values
Cultural norms and values can influence mental health perceptions, help-seeking behaviors and treatment outcomes. In some cultures, mental health problems are seen as signs of weakness and as a result, people may be less willing to seek help. And even if they do, they may not comply with the treatment plans for fear of being judged.
Family and Community Expectations
If mental health is a taboo topic in your family or community, it can be very scary to share about your mental health struggles. (https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/cultural-identity-and-mental-health/)
Community expectations can perpetuate social norms and stigma around mental health, making it harder for individuals to seek help. For instance, in Asian cultures, mental health discussions are generally seen as taboo due to the deeply ingrained belief in self-control and stoicism.
Language Barriers
Language barriers can hinder access to mental health services and affect treatment outcomes. They can affect communication between healthcare providers and patients, leading to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses or inadequate treatment. (Psychiatry Online, Language Barriers and Access to Psychiatric Care, pg. 798)
How to Improve Mental Well-Being: Practical Strategies
According to Serene Health, there are eight evidence-based coping strategies for improving mental health. For more information on each strategy, visit the link below.
3. Self-Care
4. Address Negative Thinking
5. Develop Healthier Sleep Habits
6. Limit Social Media and Screen Time
(https://serenehealth.com/8-evidence-based-strategies-for-improving-your-mental-health/)
Besides the above, there are other ways to improve mental health:
2. Breathwork
3. Journaling
4. Music
Breaking Mental Health Stigma and Seeking Help
1. Normalizing Mental Health Discussions
Normalizing mental health discussions is crucial for creating a supportive and inclusive environment. The following are some ways to normalize mental health discussions:
(1) Encourage Open Conversations
Share Personal Experiences*
Open up about your own mental health journey, if you feel comfortable doing so. This can help others feel more at ease sharing their own experiences.
I'd struggled with sharing my personal struggles with mental health in the past until a few years ago, because I didn't want people to view me differently. I didn't want people to see me as mentally ill because to me, I was just struggling with mental health challenges. Moreover, I didn't look like I was suffering from a mental illness. Neither did I behave like one.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encourage others to share their thoughts and feelings by asking open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
(2) Reduce Stigma
Use Respectful Language*
Avoid using language that perpetuates negative stereotypes or stigma around mental health conditions.
*https://www.integrative-psych.org/resources/breaking-the-stigma-promoting-mental-health-awareness-and-support; https://www.nami.org/advocate/how-you-can-stop-mental-illness-stigma/
Focus on Recovery*
Focusing on recovery gives people hope and the motivation to seek help.
People do recover from mental health problems and there are many who do. Though their symptoms may return from time to time, knowing which self-care techniques and treatments work best for them gives them the confidence to manage those symptoms.
Highlight the Commonality
Mental health conditions are common and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
*https://www.reanfoundation.org/mental-health-awareness/
(3) Foster a Supportive Environment
When someone opens up about their mental health challenges, listening attentively and without judgment can help them feel more deeply understood and cared for.
When you allow a person with mental health challenges to express their feelings without interrupting or judging, you're in effect validating their emotions.
Additionally, you could validate their emotions by showing empathy. For instance, you can express understanding or share a similar experience.
Encourage Self-Care
You could encourage self-care by sharing your own self-care practices and demonstrating their importance.
In addition, you could help them identify self-care activities by exploring activities that bring them joy and help them to relax, such as spending time in nature.
(4) Educate and Raise Awareness
Educating and raising awareness on mental health is crucial in reducing stigma and encouraging support. Here are some ways to do so:
4.1 Organize Events and/or Activities
Hosting workshops or seminars can help raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma and promote understanding.
Mental health professionals can provide attendees with accurate and reliable information on mental health topics.
Organize Mental Health Awareness Talks
Encourage people to participate and share their stories during these talks. This will encourage others to open up about their own mental health struggles.
4.2 Leverage Social Media and Other Online Platforms
Share Personal Stories and Experiences
Use social media platforms to share your own mental health journey or that of others.
Create and Share Informative Content
Share infographics, videos or blog posts on social media and other online platforms that provide mental health information and resources.
4.3 Collaborate with Schools and Communities
Integrate Mental Health Education into School Curriculum
Work with educators to develop and implement mental health education programs.
Partner with Community Organizations
Collaborate with local organizations, such as libraries, community centers, or places of worship, to host mental health events and activities.
4.4 Engage Influencers and Media
Partner with Social Media Influencers
Collaborate with influencers who have a large following and are passionate about mental health advocacy.
Reach Out to Local Media Outlets
Share your story or expertise with local newspapers, radio stations or TV stations. This way, it can reach a wide audience.
2. Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or is in crisis, there are several crisis hotlines and resources available:
(1) 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for confidential, free and 24/7 support. You can also chat online at https://988lifeline.org/
(2) Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1. Or text 838255. Or you could chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
(3) LGBTQ+ Support for Young Persons: Call 988, then press 3. Or text "Q" for specialized support. You can also reach out to The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text "START" to 678-678.
Additional Resources
(1) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offers expert-reviewed information on mental health disorders and treatment options. (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help)
(2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides resources on mental health, including strategies for coping with disasters and traumatic events. (https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html)
(3) Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers support and resources for maternal mental health. (https://www.postpartum.net/)
HealthCentral has a list of helplines and resources for people living in the United States, as well as helplines for 16 other countries (Canada, UK & Republic of Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Serbia, Mexico, Japan, Brazil and India). (https://www.healthcentral.com/mental-health/get-help-mental-health)
Note: While this blog post focuses on US-based resources, we acknowledge that mental health is a global concern. And so for those seeking international resources, we recommend that you search for organizations such as Befrienders Worldwide for more information.
If you're struggling with mental health challenges, know that you're not alone. It takes courage to acknowledge that you need help and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Reaching out for help can be the first step towards healing, recovery and a more fulfilling life. Mental health professionals in the US can provide you with:
(1) A safe and non-judgmental space to share your feelings and concerns
(2) Personalized guidance, support and treatment options tailored to your needs
(3) Coping strategies and techniques to manage your symptoms and improve your mental well-being
(4) Connection to resources, support groups and communities that can help you feel less isolated
Remember, seeking help is a brave and important step towards taking care of your mental health. You deserve support, compassion and understanding.
If you're ready to seek help, you can start by:
(1) Contacting your primary care physician for a referral to see a mental health professional
(2) Calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) or texting the Crisis Text Line (text "HOME" to 741741)
(3) Visiting Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website for treatment locator tools and resources
You're not alone and help is available.
Conclusion
How can we create a society that prioritizes mental health for everyone? It starts with fostering open conversations, embracing self-care and encouraging people to seek support.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Taking that first step—whether by reaching out to a professional, joining a support group, or sharing this post—can lead to meaningful change in your life and the lives of others.
Cheers,
Annie Chan
(P/s: My next blog post will be published on 23 Feb 2025.)
(https://linktree.com/anniechan123)
