May is Mental Health Month, making this a good time to become aware of the many different types of mental health conditions and learn the warning signs of each to support family members and loved ones who struggle. Many organizations are working to prevent the stigma associated with these conditions so that more people are comfortable speaking about their experiences and seeking treatment. And our team at Affordable Medical Resources can play a part in helping a family maintain better life balance when dealing with someone who needs ongoing care.
Many people living with a mental health condition unfortunately experience stigma and misunderstanding. In fact, a nationwide survey found that only 25 percent of adults with mental health symptoms believed that people are sympathetic towards those with mental illness. Some people mistakenly believe that mental illness always leads to violent and unpredictable behavior. Based on fear, misunderstanding or a lack of information about mental illness, stigma may cause people to delay treatment or to experience discrimination in employment, housing and other areas of their lives.
To aid in fighting the stigma of mental health conditions, President Obama urged that there should be no shame in discussing or seeking help for treatable illnesses that affect too many people that we love. “We’ve got to get rid of that embarrassment; we’ve got to get rid of that stigma,” he said.
Youth
Young people’s mental health is just as important as their physical health as they grow and age. Youth are more affected by mental health issues and millions of American children live with depression, mood and anxiety disorders and other mental health issues. It’s not unusual for youth to experience phases of anxiety, for example, but it may be time to seek help if symptoms continue. Parents and guardians need to know the signs of a mental health condition. For kids and teens, there are many resources and supports to help them deal with mental health issues and other challenges they might be facing. From feeling anxious and fighting depression, to coping with cutting and having thoughts of suicide, youth need support in order to recover. Youth-focused help is available on MentalHealth.gov.
Seniors
As people age, their brains change and communicate differently. As these natural changes occur, people may notice differences in their ability to learn new tasks or recall information. If all this is upsetting, don’t worry – learn the difference between being forgetful and experiencing more serious memory loss. Aging does make people more susceptible to conditions such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s. There are signs and symptoms to keep an eye on if you or an older adult you know seems to experience more than simple memory decline. As you age, follow seven steps to preventing memory loss and mix up your routine with these ideas on working your brain. Keep healthy through regular exercise, a good diet, intellectually stimulating activities and close social ties.
PTSD
Almost eight percent of Americans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. PTSD can be difficult to manage, but with proper treatment and care, recovery is possible. There are many effective ways to treat PTSD, including cognitive therapy, group therapy and medication. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to helping veterans coping with PTSD with online resources for managing and recovering from this complex condition that can be used by non-veterans as well. Along with professional help, self-care techniques such as rest, exercising, limiting TV and even using a PTSD mobile app are just some of the ways individuals can lessen their symptoms and improve their mental health. PTSD affects not just those living with it but their loved ones, too. Friends and family can help by understanding the disorder and supporting the loved one through their recovery. Veterans and their families in need of immediate help should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
When you love someone with a mental health condition, coping with a diagnosis and understanding their experience is not always easy. Symptoms can be hard to understand and treatment may be time-consuming and difficult to navigate. Caregivers play an important role in the recovery process; fortunately there is support for managing stress and other needs of family and friends of people receiving mental health services.
For more information about how Affordable Medical Resources can support you and a family member who suffers from a mental disorder, and needs personal care and support services, please give us a call at 770-321-6142 or email info@affordablemedicalresources.com