Valuing Mental Health

The emergence of coronavirus has been associated with mental health challenges. As states mandated the closure of schools, restaurants, and other social settings, we began to see the signs of an impending mental health crisis. Mental health and mental illness have been historically viewed as taboo topics. A variety of cultures failed to acknowledge the validity of mental health and mental illness. As a result, people were reluctant to reveal their mental health concerns or mental illness. Thankfully, we have seen progress in recent times that has changed the trajectory of mental health and illness.
Mental health includes psychological, emotional, and social well-being. It can affect an individual’s actions, feelings, and thoughts. It also determines an individual’s ability to handle stress and make choices. Mental health can change over time, depending on various factors. A person may experience poor mental health due to stress at work, economic hardship, caring for an ill relative, and loss of a loved one. It is important to note that poor mental health may not always result in a diagnosis of mental illness.
Millions of people in the United States live with a mental illness. A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood. It can affect a person’s ability to function daily. It can vary from short term to long term and in degree of severity. The conditions include depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders. There are multiple factors that can contribute to mental illness such as early adverse life experiences, biological factors, experiences related to chronic medical conditions, alcohol and recreational drug use, feelings of isolation and loneliness, loss of a loved one, and few social supports. Treatment can help to improve mental health. Treatment may include counseling, psychiatry services, and/or medication.
Mental health is as equally important as physical health. The failure to identify and treat these conditions can negatively impact health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms and knowing where to seek help will assist in achieving positive health outcomes.

To find more information about mental health and illness, you can visit the following resources:
1. Drug Watch Mental Illness Guide https://www.drugwatch.com/health/mental-health/mental-illness/
2. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/index.shtml
3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) https://nami.org/home
5. BH Link in Rhode Island https://www.bhlink.org

National helplines:
1. Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
2. Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
4. OK2Talk Helpline Teen Helpline 1-800-273-TALK
5. Crisis Text Line – Text “Signs” to ‘741741’ for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling
6. NAMI Helpline 1-800-950-NAMI (6464) or info@nami.org
7. Crisis Text Line – Text “NAMI” to ‘741741’ during a crisis

Rhode Island Helpline:
1. BH Link Hotline 401-414-LINK (5465) or 855-KID-LINK (855-543-5465) for under 18