Mental Health Matters

During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we are reminded to evaluate and focus on our own mental health, emotional health and wellness. The goal is to raise awareness and acceptance of mental health issues, remove the stigma that it is okay to not be okay and emphasize how important it is to seek professional help when needed. Mental illness is a very real diagnosis and should not be taken lightly. Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. More than one in five adults live with mental illness. More than one in five youth, ages 13 to18, currently or at some point in their lives, have a debilitating mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people aged 10 to 14. Schizophrenia, bipolar disease or depression will impact one in every 25 adults in the United States. 

 Mental illness does not come from one single cause. Several factors could increase a person’s risk. Among these are childhood experiences of trauma or abuse; experiences of ongoing serious medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes; biological factors or chemical imbalances; use of drugs and alcohol; identity issues; significant life changes, such as becoming a parent or losing a job; and having feelings of isolation and loneliness.