Mental Health Note

Mental health is a conversation we want to continue having outside of one day a year. In a world full of self-care products, ever-expanding self-help sections, and meditation apps, we can get lost in what we think will benefit our mental health and healing versus what our bodies tell us we need. It is far easier to buy all the skincare than to speak with someone about our deepest feelings and beliefs. 

According to Mental Health America (MHA), “Nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year.” Not only that, but “forty-six percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.” These are frightening statistics when you look at them. Especially if you don’t know where to turn if a mental health issue is affecting you or someone in your life.

Some conditions include anxiety, addiction/substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts. We welcome you to look at the resources provided below and try on things that feel best for you and your mental health. 

If this is an emergency, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, call 911, or go to a hospital emergency room. In the case of a non-emergency, please consider an appointment with your primary healthcare provider, especially if you think your condition is mild to moderate. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, make an appointment with a specialized doctor such as a psychiatrist. You may need to contact your community mental health center or primary health care provider for a referral. If you are currently in school or college, contact your school and ask about their support services. 

+ In an emergency in which you or someone you know is suicidal, immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Alternatively, call 911, or go to a hospital emergency room.

+ If this is a non-emergency, please consider making an appointment with your primary healthcare provider if you think your condition is mild to moderate.

+ If your symptoms are moderate to severe, make an appointment with a specialized doctor such as a psychiatrist. You may need to contact your community mental health center or primary health care provider for a referral.

+ If you or your child is in school or college, contact the school and ask about their support services.

+ Seek out support groups in your community. Educate yourself about your symptoms and diagnosis. Social support and knowledge can be valuable tools for coping.