May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health includes your emotional and social well-being, which influences how you think, feel and act. Having good mental health does not mean you will always be in a good mood or immune from the stresses of everyday life. However, a positive mental attitude can keep you healthy, reduce the risks of serious illness, and lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you, a friend or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, please seek professional medical help.

Do You Experience Fear or Dread When Around Certain People, Objects or Situations?

You may have an Anxiety Disorder. Other symptoms include a rapid heartbeat and sweating. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and phobias.

Are You Feeling Sad All the Time?

This is one of the symptoms of a Mood Disorder. You may also feel overly happy or fluctuate between extreme happiness and sadness. Depression is the most common type of Mood Disorder.

Do You Have Extreme Eating Habits?

People with Eating Disorders have extreme attitudes about their weight and what they eat. For example, someone with Anorexia Nervosa mistakenly thinks he or she is overweight and severely restricts the amount of food they eat.

Do You Have Obsessive Thoughts and Fears?

People with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) have uncontrollable thoughts and/or behaviors they repeat over and over, such as arranging objects in a specific way or an irrational fear of germs that causes them to avoid touching anything.

Are You Experiencing Frightening and Recurring Thoughts About a Traumatic Event?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that often follows a terrifying event, such as a sexual assault, natural disaster or engaging in combat.

Take Control of Your State-of-Mind

If you are experiencing any of these feelings or symptoms, or are concerned about your own mental health or that of a loved one, we encourage you to reach out with questions or to seek help.

You can also take measures in your everyday life to help ease anxiety and stress. A few strategies to maintain positive mental health could include:

• Connecting with family or friends
• Practicing mindfulness
• Extracurricular activities
• Volunteering
• Joining a support group
• Improving your diet and exercise
• …and much more

Focusing on self-care is important for all of us! For more information about mental health awareness and suggestions on ways to help maintain a positive mental state, talk with your primary care provider, a counselor, or mental health specialist.

Sources: verywellhealth.com