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Mental Health Awareness Month 2022: How to Do Your Part

Mental Health Awareness Month 2022: How to Do Your Part

There are several types of mental health disorders but they are generally characterized by a combination of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, emotions, behavior and relationships with others.2 Some of the most common types of mental health disorders are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia, and developmental disorders including autism. We will discuss those disorders today.

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that is characterized by persistent depressed moods or loss of interest in daily life activities, causing a huge problem in a person’s regular life. The causes of depression include chemical imbalances in the brain, genetics, traumatic life events, and mood regulation.

The following are some signs to look out for if you suspect you or someone you know has depression:3

  • Having a hopeless outlook
  • Lost interest in activities
  • Increased fatigue and sleep issues
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Uncontrollable emotions
  • Considering suicide

Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized as intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. It can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test. The exact causes of anxiety are unknown but a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Brain chemistry may also play a role in anxiety.

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:4

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense
  • Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
  • Having an increased heart rate
  • Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
  • Having difficulty controlling worry
  • Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is characterized as a mental health disorder that causes the person to have episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Like depression, the cause of bipolar disorder is unknown but some factors include genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry.

The following are some signs to look out for in the event that you suspect you or someone you know  is struggling with bipolar disorder:5

Signs of mania:

  • Increased activity
  • Less need for sleep
  • Overly euphoric or irritable mood
  • Risky or impulsive behaviors
  • Racing thoughts
  • Forceful, rapid speech

Signs of depression:

  • Sad or anxious mood
  • Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Suicidal thoughts

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder in which people can’t interpret reality normally. It may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning and can be disabling.5  The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown but it is believed to be a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and environment.

Symptoms of schizophrenia include:6

  • Delusions
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorganized thinking
  • Disorganized or abnormal motor behavior
  • Negative symptoms

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Mental Health Awareness Month Ideas

There are plenty of ideas for mental health awareness month, and the best way to end the stigma and raise awareness on mental health disorders is to do your part. Below are a couple of ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May.

1. Start a conversation

One of our preferred mental health awareness month tips for spreading awareness is to talk about it! People who have mental health disorders may be someone you never suspected of having one and many people with mental health disorders don’t seek help at all. It’s important to open that line of communication with people you know to end the stigma and to let them know that if they are struggling, you are there to hear them out, if they need someone, you are there for them and if they want to get better, you are there to help.

2. Make your mental health a top priority

Much like getting regular check-ups or dental cleanings, it’s important to constantly check on your mental health. If you are struggling, don’t wait to seek help. Talk to someone, whether that be a family member, friend, or trained professional. Never let your emotions and feelings go unheard and seek help as soon as you realize you may have a mental health disorder.

Some ways to prioritize your mental health are the following:8

  • Getting enough sleep every night
  • Eating nutrient-rich foods
  • Cutting down on processed foods, sugars and alcohol
  • Exercising regularly
  • Practicing mindfulness
  • Taking time for yourself
  • Doing activities that you enjoy

3. Donate or volunteer

There are multiple mental health organizations that you may decide to donate to. Through advocacy, research, education, treatment services, and destigmatization, these charities all work in some way to make life better for those living with mental health issues and their families.9

There are also ways to volunteer and mental health awareness month activities you can participate in. You can contact your local Mental Health America (MHA) affiliate and see if they have opportunities in your area. You can also volunteer with Crisis Text Line, a text line available 24/7, or The Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a lifeline made up of a network of local crisis centers. Whatever way you choose to support Mental Health Awareness Month will make a difference in your life and in others.

4. Share information

If you can’t show support in other ways, you can share information regarding mental health. A lot of research is readily available to you and you can find resources at any mental health organization in your area. Start the conversation, make it a priority, ask people, “how are you today?” and help end the stigma.

Get Help at Our Boca Treatment Center

However you choose to celebrate and recognize Mental Health Awareness Month 2022, the important thing is that mental health is a major topic and concern in your everyday life. Practice self-love, check on your loved ones and keep your mental health a top priority.

The Suicide Prevention Line is available to anyone who may have thoughts of harming themself. You can contact them at 800-273-8255. If you or a loved one is struggling with any mental disorder, seek help with Banyan Treatment Centers. You don’t have to live with this disorder alone, we are here to help you with different treatment methods so you can recover.

At our Florida mental health rehab, our team provides mental and emotional health therapy and treatment for a variety of mental illnesses and emotional crises. Individualized care is key in helping patients find health and happiness.

Start your recovery journey today. Call our Boca rehab center today at 888-280-4763 to learn how our anxiety or depression treatment can help.

 

Sources:

  1. Lehigh Center I The Inspiring History of Mental Health Awareness Month
  2. World Health Organization I Mental disorders
  3. Healthline I 9 Depression Symptoms to Look Out For
  4. Mayo Clinic I Anxiety disorders - Symptoms and causes
  5. WebMD I How to Recognize Bipolar Disorder
  6. Mayo Clinic I Schizophrenia - Symptoms and causes
  7. Aphasia I Dementia
  8. New Method Wellness I 5 Ways to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
  9. Donor Box I Top 13 Mental Health Charities Making a Big Impact (2022)

 

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Andi Plotkin
Andi Plotkin
Andi Plotkin-Digital Marketing Specialist, is a local to South Florida, receiving her Master’s in Communications from Florida International University. She is passionate about digital marketing and helping others, that is why working in the addiction field is important to her. Her favorite part of the position is getting to help those in need of treatment. Her goals include increasing engagement, educating the public on addiction and mental health issues, and connecting people to the proper treatment they deserve.