“Healing takes time and asking for help is a courageous step.” Mariska Hargitay
Mental Health is a prominent issue in the United States. Approximately 80% (51.1 million) of adults 18+ suffer from a mental illness and approximately 50% (17 million) of children 17 and younger suffer with mental illness according to a 2019 study. Now, take a moment to ask yourself, “what is mental illness, and what do I know about it?” Additionally, “How do I know what I know, and which resources have I used to inform my definition?” Now hold on to your answers while some light is shed on the realistic truth of mental health, and what the status of mental health awareness looks like.
The spotlight shining on mental health is miniscule, localized, and dim. The current light only positions the topic of mental health center stage when it is associated with the tragic tales of school shootings, suicides, and overdoses. Regarding the statistic mentioned above, over half of the adult and child population in the U.S. suffer with mental illness. The issue with mental health awareness is that we as a society only pay attention to people suffering with mental illness after a tragedy occurs or when they have reached their breaking point. We have reached the precipice where it is crucial that we begin paying attention at the beginning, not after a tragedy to recognize, destigmatize, and educate mental health.
Mental Health is just as important as Physical Health and there is a simple three step formula, to expand the awareness on Mental Health. The three simple steps are education, involvement, and support. These three small steps can create a systemic change with awareness on mental health including recognizing and focusing on mental health signs and symptoms.
The first and most important step is education. You need to educate yourself on mental illness; learn what mental health really is, and the populations mental illness affects. Educate yourself on the resources and existing treatments that can assist someone on their mental health journey, and most importantly, how you can get involved.
This leads to the second step, get involved. Once you have the tools and education, step out of your comfort zone, and join organizations, volunteer, and educate others on mental health. Getting involved will provide support for those suffering, increase educational opportunities for others, and continue to shift the light to the beginning of one’s mental health journey.
The final step we will discuss is a more personal one. This step relates to your parents, children, friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Support them. Having the education and involvement has you ready to intervene. When you recognize the warning signs in your loved ones, ask (QUESTION) how they are really doing, reassure them they are not alone (PERSUADE & SUPPORT), and give them the resources you have access to (REFER).
Education plus involvement coupled with support is the simple formula that can help a child with their fluctuating emotions, help a colleague suffering in isolation, and help foster a community that stands with each other.
Written by Chelsea Nelms, MSST and Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR-T, CFRC (EnSpire Counseling & Wellness, LLC)
Resources:
https://childmind.org/2015-childrens-mental-health-report
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
https://www.voa.org/mental-health
www.enspirecounselingandwellness.com
If you are a loved one is struggling, you are NOT ALONE.
*Please call 911
*The GA Crisis & Access Hotline at 1-800-715-4225
*The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
*Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255 & Press 1 or Text 838255
*Go to your local crisis center or emergency room
*EnSpire Counseling & Wellness at 229-262-1000