In 2013, President Obama declared May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. Every year millions of Americans live with mental health issues, and many don’t get the help they need. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) are raising awareness for mental disorders and diminishing stigma during this mental health month and year round. They advocate equal care and fight stigma, because no one should have to face mental illness alone.
Signs of Mental Illness
Recognize the signs of mental illness. Changes in behavior, extreme agitation, and hopelessness might be signs that something more is going on. Although they can be hard to recognize, any combination of these signs can indicate a mental health disorder. Here are some other signs that you or a friend might need help:
- Excessive worry and fear
- Strong feelings of anger or irritation
- Feelings of extreme sadness
- Changes in eating habits and appetite
- Suicidal thoughts
- Problems relating to other people
- Extreme mood swings, including feelings of euphoric mania
- Changes in sleep patterns or fatigue
- Changes in sex drive
- Difficulty perceiving reality, including delusions or hallucinations
- Anosognosia: lack of awareness and insight about changes in their own behavior, personality, or feelings
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Physical symptoms including headaches, stomach aches, and other aches and pains
- Inability to handle daily stress and activities
Finding Help During Mental Health Month
Mental health month is a great time to recognize unhealthy behaviors or other signs of mental illness. Talk to your loved ones, participate in local counseling groups, or reach out to professional treatment centers such as Morningside Recovery. Morningside Recovery offers mental health treatment and dual diagnosis programs to help people overcome their struggles with mental health and addiction.
To learn more about our programs, call us today at 855-631-2135. During mental health month, or any time of year, no one should have to struggle alone.