I have started this article out in so many ways because I don't want to use somebody's life, whether they're famous or not, for a reason to talk about mental health. However, I think I need to. I have people in my life dealing with it. Even my parents go up and down with issues. Maybe you do too.
Demi Lovato is in the hospital for a heroin overdose. You can say well, she's rich, and beautiful and talented...I don't feel bad for her. She's stupid...blah, blah blah. She has mental health issues. She has for years. Because of that, she started abusing substances. I truly hope she recovers and continues to seek help.
Famous celebrities have taken their lives because of it...friends and family you know have.
I have been working with North Memorial to drop the stigma with mental health. I want to do my part, and I honestly didn't know what that was. So if it's as small as letting you know where to get help...I hope it's a start.
Did you know that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S experiences mental illness in a given year and 1 in 5 youth aged 13–18 experiences a severe mental disorder at some point during their life? (nami.org)
We say it all the time, but it's so true that mental health is just as much a part of a person’s overall well-being as any other health factor.
Signs of declining mental health can be sneaky. There are a range of signs, symptoms and signals that you or a loved one may need mental health support, but here are some. Especially paying attention to multiple signs occurring at the same time.
1. You have thoughts of harming yourself
2. Your relationships are fraying.
3. Your behavior is changing considerably.
4. You’re struggling with your identity and purpose
5. You’re having trouble bouncing back.
6. Your moods have changed, change often, or not often enough.
7. You’re having sleep problems.
8. You experience a spontaneous change in appetite.
9. You’re struggling with excessive fear.
10. You’re struggling with physical signs of stress.
11. You’re easily irritated.
North Memorial Health can help. They have a fully integrated mental health program that spans from emergency behavioral medicine to inpatient psychiatry, partial hospital programs, intensive outpatient programs, outpatient groups, integrated behavioral health support in clinics and regular individual therapy and psychiatry. •
If you or a loved one needs a consultation, visit one of North Memorial Health’s primary care clinics, and they’ll tailor a plan for your specific needs. You can find a clinic near you by visiting northmemorial.com.
I know there are other places as well, but they are top of mind because I just visited their clinic, and they said they leave open appointments every day. That spoke to me. I know if you get to the point to seek help, you don't want to wait.