and Jacob Williams
Mental Health Awareness is a very important but overlooked topic. Mental health is the condition of a person with regard to one’s psychological and emotional well-being (“What Is Mental Health?” 2015). Some people can maintain their mental health, but many people have mental health issues due to genetics and environmental factors. Common problems like depression, anxiety, and stress are all mental issues that can and have been diagnosed and treated. Depression can often co-occur with anxiety and can even cause substance abuse (“Statistics,” 2006-2014). A survey conducted in 2010 showed that nearly twenty percent of all Americans were diagnosed with at least one mental illness, with almost half of these people having more than one (Conley, 2012). Some serious mental disorders include schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Schizophrenia is found in around 2.4 million adults in the United States alone, with men being more commonly diagnosed than women (“Statistics,” 2006-2014). Schizophrenia is an illness not commonly cured, but there are many mental issues that can be maintained. There are many different types of mental illnesses, both minor and severe, and both can be maintained to an extent.
With these issues, some people may feel like there is no hope when it comes to maintaining a healthy mentality. Mental issues effect millions of people every day, but it does not have to totally affect your entire existence. With the proper techniques and appropriate approaches, one can work hard to go from feelings of depression and anxiety to feelings of accomplishment and happiness. If you know someone who is depressed, stressed, or has any other mental illness, try to help him or her. We do not often recognize a problem until it has already occurred so do not just stand by and watch it happen to someone. Help people with mental health and help yourself as well, and remember, less stress means more success.
Severe mental illnesses are much harder to maintain than more common mental issues, such as depression and anxiety. The severe mental illnesses are not as common in the population. While the impact varies in regards to their effects on the people who have it, some of these side effects can be mistaken as signs of depression or laziness. Other more severe side effects include hallucinations, delusions, and problems with attention and memory. Even though the cure has not yet been found, people who experience schizophrenia can still get treatment that assist them in living independently in a satisfying manner (“Statistics,” 2006-2014). Another major mental health disorder is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. PTSD has been diagnosed in nearly eight million adults in the United States and nearly twenty percent of all Vietnam veterans. This disorder is usually triggered by past experiences or events that are very traumatic and result in flashbacks and nightmares. While these are common in almost every case, not everyone experiences them to the same extent. PTSD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy to help the patient experience fewer to no side effects (“Statistics,” 2006-2014). These are two of the more common severe mental illnesses and are both found in more people than we think.
Anytime you walk pass someone on the sidewalk, that person could have a severe mental disorder that you, and often the people themselves, do not know about. Instead of making sarcastic comments about this individual or being judgmental, one should realize that this person may need help. Help is available! While some people believe that they will have to drive for multiple hours to seek help, it can actually be reached over the phone or at any mental health facility. The experienced and well-educated staff can help out in ways that one would have never thought possible. If you feel as though you are experiencing a mental health disorder or even just an unhealthy mental state, do not be afraid to make a call or visit. This decision could change your life forever. Locally, you can call (570)-265-2525, or you can visit them at 21 Main Street in Towanda, PA (“Highly Qualified Professionals Providing Affordable, Confidential Outpatient Mental Health Services,” 2015). Once again, if you are experiencing poor mental health and you need assistance, do not hesitate to call or visit.
References
Conley, Mikaela. (2012, January 19). 1 in 5 Americans suffers from mental illness. In ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2012/01/19/1-in-5-americans-suffer-from-mental-illness/
Highly qualified professionals providing affordable, confidential outpatient mental health services. (2015). In Mental Health Associates of North Central Pennsylvania. Retrieved from http://counselingandtherapy.net/index.php
Statistics. (2006-2014). In The Kim Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.thekimfoundation.org/html/about_mental_ill/statistics.html
Vivyan, C. (2010). Self-help for mental health problems. In GET.gg Therapy Resources. Retrieved from http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/problems.htm
What is mental health? (2015). In Mentalhealth.gov. Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth. gov/basics/what-is-mental-health/
(Note: This article was provided through the Students Assistance Program at Canton High School and was written by two CHS students.