May is Mental Health Month. It is an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions. Each year, individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and advocate for better mental health care and resources. As a way to do our part, we compiled a list of common mental health issues and ways people can help.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease, often in anticipation of a future event or situation. Everyone experience some level of anxiety, particularly when facing stressful situations. Anxiety can be physically seen through increased heart rate, trembling, sweating, difficulty breathing, and stomach issues. It’s characterized by excessive worrying, racing thoughts, feeling overwhelmed, and difficulty concentrating. You can help by offering supportive and understanding communication, encouraging them to seek professional help, and providing practical support with daily tasks or activities they may find challenging.
Depression is the persistent state of low mood and diminished pleasure or interest in activities that affect or interfere with our daily lives. This is pretty common, but it’s a serious mental health problem that negatively impacts your thoughts, how you feel, act, and how you see the world around you. Depression can be seen through sleep disturbances, fatigue, appetite changes, and unexplained pains or aches. You can feel persistently sad, anxious, or experience an “empty” feeling. Some feel hopeless, guilty, worthless, or experience a loss of pleasure or interest in activities, difficulty making decisions and concentrating. Thoughts of death or suicide is another feeling. To help someone with depression you can be understanding, encouraging, and offer support.
PTSD stands for Post-traumatic stress disorder. This can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Physical symptoms are increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, shaking, and discomforts like headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. Not all physical symptoms are from the result of trauma. Some of the physical symptoms can be related to other mental health conditions or other life factors. Mentally PTSD can be re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmare, and avoidance of trauma reminders. To help someone with PTSD be patient and persistent, encourage positive activities, respect boundaries and pace, offer emotional support, understand what PTSD, and seek professional help.
Living with bipolar disorder can be incredibly challenging. The condition is characterized by its wide range of symptoms, which can fluctuate between extreme highs, known as manic episodes, and deep lows, referred to as depressive episodes. This cycle can create an overwhelming experience, making daily life feel unbearable at times. However, it is important to know that there are many strategies to help with these hard times. Educating yourself about bipolar disorder is the first step in this journey. The frequent mood changes caused by the highs and lows can become exhausting and result in harmful coping strategies such as self harm and drug use. Beyond just learning, there are various coping mechanisms, therapeutic approaches, and support systems that can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those affected. Engaging in therapy, joining support groups, and practicing self-care can all contribute positively. You don’t ever have to do this alone.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comes with many hard symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, distressing obsessions, and repetitive behaviors. OCD can disrupt work, relationships, and social activities, resulting in things like depression and a higher risk of anxiety. Many think Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is just about being a clean-freak. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. OCD encompasses various aspects, but it should always be treated with the same seriousness as any other mental health condition.
ADHD is also known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with day to day life. This normal begins in childhood, and can continue throughout adulthood, while impacting academic, social, and professional functions. Medication and behavioral therapies can help manage this. To help support someone with ADHD, it’s important you understand the condition and its challenges, and to help with practical encouragement and help. Make sure to educate yourself on ADHD, be patient, understanding, encourage breaks, focus on strengths, and prioritize effective communication.
