Each year on October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This significant national day raises awareness and mobilizes efforts to support mental health.
The understanding of mental health and what it is is often confusing because of its hard way of defining it and its several areas. The CDC defines mental health as one’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. “It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.”
Positive mental health helps us manage stress effectively, maintain consistent productivity, and reach our best potential. One is more prone to experience a mental health condition if their mental health is compromised. These conditions include:
- Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Phobias
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
There is a negative stigma around mental health that affects nearly 1 in 5 Americans. This can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, which can often inhibit their efforts to seek professional help.
In an effort to break the stigma, Everyday Health created Mental Health Stigma: It’s Time to Start Listening and Stop Judging, which includes information such as:
- The types of mental health stigmas and their consequences
- How mental health discrimination affects personal lives, workplaces and schools
- Tips on how individuals, institutions, and society can play a role in reducing mental health stigma
While not everyone deals with mental health concerns, everyone is affected by them. Because of this, a crucial component of this observance is talking about mental health with your loved ones. Additionally, World Mental Health Day is a fantastic opportunity to connect with someone you know who is struggling with a mental health condition. Although many people are uncomfortable discussing their diagnosis with others, having someone to turn to makes a huge difference.
Trillium Health Resources is a leading specialty care manager (LME/MCO) for individuals with serious substance use, mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities in eastern North Carolina. Call 1-877-685-2415 for more information.
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