What is Mental Illness?
What is Mental Illness? In light of recent school shootings, the return of veterans, and celebrity suicides, the media is beginning to bring mental illness to light. As wonderful as this coverage is, the potential problem is that the media is not always correct in the information they share which can result in the continuation of stigma.
Mental Illness and Mental Health seem to be used interchangeably. I'd like to propose that the two terms, while related, are different. Everyone from babies through the elderly have a mental health, just as we have physical and spiritual health. There is no stigma in saying, "Hi, I'm Ana and I have the flu (or cancer, or a broken ankle)." But, sadly, there is still lingering stigma around saying, "Hi, I'm Ana and I am dealing with depression (or anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)." Some reason for the stigma is the lack of education regarding how to take care of our mental health. Neglecting your mental health can lead to mental illness, just as eating unhealthy food can lead to physical illness. We know to take care of our physical bodies but how exactly do we take care of our mental health?
1. Make time for you and do something you love. Such as sitting alone in a coffee shop while reading a good book. Go for a run or some other sort of physical activity. Buy that cute top you saw at the store the other day. These small steps can increase the flow of neuron's to the feel good places of the brain.
2. Build good, supportive, and loving relationships. One of the leading causes of mental illness is loneliness and isolation. Joining a club or relgious organization can help connect you with like minded people.
3. Do something kind for another person without wishing for something in return. Volunteering at a soup kitchen, or helping in your child's classroom can reduce isolation and increase relationships while allowing you to feel good about helping another person.
4. Ask for help. Friends, loved ones, parents can all be places to start. If you don't feel you can turn to anyone in your life reach out for help from a professional and feel free to shop around. Community Mental Health agencies and private practice clinicians accept a wide variety of insurances and many offer a sliding scale based on income.
Here are some resources for anyone looking for help: NAMI Helpline: 800-950-6264 M-F, 10 am - 6 pm ET, National Suicide Helpline: 1 (800) 273-8255, Psychology Today can help you find a therapist in your area.
