Mental Health Is Important - Mental Illness Awareness Week

People across the globe use different ways to manage their stress. As the pandemic has put additional stress on everyone, mental health has emerged as a more acceptable topic of discussion. Elite Olympic athlete Simone Biles and #2 ranked tennis player Naomi Osaka famously broke the ice by withdrawing from competitions. Both have indicated they should have heeded the signs to protect their mental health earlier and both have helped give us permission to talk about how our mental health is important.

We have a wider variety of coping skills than ever available to us. Exercise, yoga, nature walks, meditation, mindfulness, self-compassion, strong social support and nutrition top the charts of healthy methods to help manage stress. It’s important to acknowledge that mental health is a very broad term that includes everything from daily self care to treatment of mental illness. Managing stress is a keystone for keeping our mental and physical well being in optimum running order. Stress management important and, is very different from diagnosed mental health conditions, like depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorders, to name a few.

October 3-9 is Mental Illness Awareness week, so I’m writing about some of the signs that could indicate something more than stress is going on. It’s essential that we bring mental health to out of the shadows and into the bright light of open discussions.

The National Alliance of Mental Illness, (NAMI) offers many excellent resources for those living with mental illness and those who care about someone who is. “If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many supports, services and treatment options that may help.” The site has helpful content like, Warning Signs and Symptoms, educational videos, and how to get help.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some links for immediate help.

Need Immediate Help In A Crisis?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255)
If you or someone you know is in crisis—whether they are considering suicide or not—please call the toll-free Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects you with a crisis center in the Lifeline network closest to your location. Your call will be answered by a trained crisis worker who will listen empathetically and without judgment. The crisis worker will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area. Your call is confidential and free.

Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741
Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages.

National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.

Mental health conditions include schizophrenia, PTSD, bipolar, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicide, addiction and others. I was surprised to learn that the average number of years between onset of symptoms and treatment is 11 years. Our mental health is too important to wait. I encourage anyone who is struggling with mental or physical health issues to see a caregiver. The sooner we get treatment the sooner we feel better and be present to those we love.