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January 2016 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
Mental Health
Awareness
Don’t let stigmas stop you
from getting help
By TaNiqua Ward, M.S.
The start of a new year is about
making goals that usually involve
bettering yourself, improving
your environment and becoming
a happier individual. Some people
struggle to accomplish these goals
because they are dealing with a
mental illness.
The stigma of mental illness
prevents many people from seeking
help and comfort. However, mental
illness is just like any other kind
of illness. Getting treatment is not
something you can just put off for
a later day. Mental illness requires
a professional recommendation for
some forms of treatment. In the
spirit of the new year, we need to
acknowledge the realities of mental
illness.
The National Alliance of Mental
Illness (NAMI) defines mental illness as a condition that impacts a
person’s thinking, feeling or mood.
It may also affect his or her ability to relate to others and function
adequately on a daily basis. Each
individual’s mental illness symptoms vary. Some people cry and are
depressed, while other people are
full of rage and anger. It is important that an individual who has a
mental illness be treated specifically
for his or her particular needs.
It is also known that mental illness is not just caused by one particular event or circumstance. It is
usually caused by multiple events
and circumstances. Things that
can cause mental illness include
relational problems with family or
a partner, stress on a job, financial
issues or genetics. All these factors
can lead an individual through a
series of emotions that can trigger
the larger issue of mental illness.
It is important to be aware of the
changes occurring in your life and
to seek help or have people around
to guide you to the appropriate
resources needed.
Many people who have a mental
illness are untreated. The individual
may not be aware of the illness or is
not willing to seek help. It is vital that
individuals with mental illness get
help. They can consult a close family
member or friend about the problems
they are facing. Counseling is available through most state’s departments
of mental health services. Doctors
and psychiatrists can prescribe medication and offer guidance in the right
direction to seek further resources. If
none of those resources are available,
there may be a hotline that provides
crisis counselors.
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Individuals who have previously
had or still have a mental illness
should continue receiving care.
Make sure you have family and
friends to offer support, or join a
support group with people who
have had a similar illness or who
can relate to you. If you are dealing
with a mental illness, continue getting your regular medical examinations and taking care of yourself.
These are the keys to monitoring
your current health status and making sure you are at a good place in
your life.
Mental illness is not just
caused by one particular
event or circumstance.