May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of Americans suffer from mental illness, so this month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, fighting stigmas and providing support. You may not have a mental illness, but you probably have a friend or family member who does. Educating yourself on mental illness can help show your loved ones that you care.
You or a loved one may show signs of mental illness and not even realize it. Here are some common signs and/or symptoms to be aware of:
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
- Trying to harm or end one’s life or making plans to do so
- Severe, out-of-control, risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others
- Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort or difficulty breathing
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Seeing, hearing or believing things that aren’t real
- Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
- Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality or sleeping habits
- Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still
- Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
nami.org
If you, a friend, or family member are experiencing any of this, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Recognizing that you may need to seek help is the first step. Talk to the people who love you about what you’re going through, especially now. This pandemic may be bringing up thoughts and emotions that you may not have had before. Following social distancing guidelines can help you when it comes to your physical health, but can wreak havoc on your mental health.
You can visit nami.org to learn more about mental illness. You can also call the NAMI HelpLine at 800.950.6264. They have resources to help you find a health care professional near you.