May is Mental Health Month
For over 60 years, May has been designated as Mental Health Month to improve public awareness of mental illness and to promote continued mental wellness. With professional medical treatment, those who suffer from these illnesses can find relief from their symptoms and live fulfilling, productive lives. According to Mental Health America, 1 in every 4 American adults currently lives with a diagnosable and treatable mental illness. This month, you can do your part by reaching out to individuals in your life who suffer from symptoms of mental health conditions and encouraging them to seek treatment today.
- Depression: Chronic depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States and affects more than 19 million Americans each year. Those suffering from clinical depression often lose pleasure in aspects of life that brought them great joy in the past. They can also feel chronically fatigued and be plagued by feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Although this condition is often associated with children, ADHD can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms of ADHD can include forgetfulness, distractibility, mood swings, chronic boredom, disorganization, and low self-esteem.
- Anxiety Disorders: While it is natural for adults to experience feelings of fear, nervousness, and anxiety before a job interview or other meaningful life event, those with anxiety disorders will suffer from these emotions for no apparent reason. If someone you know suffers from panic attacks with no known cause, encourage him or her to seek treatment.
- Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by dramatic mood swings from a euphoric ‘mania’ to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Those suffering from bipolar disorder often deny that anything is wrong and can get into the habit of abusing drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances.
Helping someone you know get the care that he or she needs can make a huge difference in that person’s overall quality of life. If you have any questions about the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of mental health conditions, contact the healthcare experts of Newton Medical Center at (888) 507-9146.
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