The following facts were taken from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act,
According to the above sight, “There are many different types of mental illness. Some of the main groups of mental disorders are mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), eating disorders, trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder), and substance abuse disorders.”
“In 2020, one in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year. One in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode. One in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.”
“Additionally, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Suicide has accounted for the loss of more than 45,979 American lives in 2020, nearly double the number of lives lost to homicide.”
“Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health conditions are often clinically diagnosable and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Unfortunately, only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health conditions receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.”
“Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak, and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry. Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse. (One site says one out of six girls have been sexually abused.) Family history of mental health conditions.”
“People with mental health conditions can get better, and many seek recovery support.”
“Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. In 2020, only 20% of adults received any mental health treatment in the past year, which included 10% who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help, helping them access mental health services. Help them learn self-care and coping techniques. Learn and share facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn’t true. Treat them with respect, just as you would anyone else. Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as “crazy” instead use person-first language.”
“Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health conditions. Promoting a person’s social-emotional well-being leads to higher overall productivity, better educational outcomes, lower crime rates, stronger economies, improved quality of life, increased lifespan, and improved family life.”
If life at some point creates experiences that harm the psyche of an individual, it must be dealt with. Seek help. It doesn’t go away; it only goes deeper to the surface in harmful actions. Actions that only create further damage. Seek help.
