Taking Care of Mental Health
What is Mental Health?
Mental health affects how we feel, think and act
It is the level of well-being with our emotions, how we think, communicate, learn and how we see ourselves
It helps us to be resilient or bounce back when life gets tough
It helps us deal with stress, interact with others and make safe and healthy decisions for ourselves
What is the difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness?
While mental health is something that each of us can work on daily, there is a distinction between mental health and mental illness. Mental illness is a health condition that involves changes in mood, thinking and behavior causing distress or problems with being able to perform at school or work, in social situations or interacting with our family and others.
Mental Health Stigma
Stigma is when someone views a person with a mental health condition in a negative way
It can cause a person with a mental health condition to not reach out to family or friends or seek treatment because of the fear of being judged
Six Warning Signs of Mental Illness and the Need to Ask for Help
Long-lasting sadness or irritability
Extremely high and low moods
Excessive fear, worry or anxiety
Social withdrawal
Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping
Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
If You are Experiencing a Mental Health Problem, there is HELP for You
Reach out to someone you trust and here are some ways to start talking about it:
“I haven’t felt right lately”
“I am having a really hard time lately”
“I am worried about stuff that is going on”
“Can I talk to you about it?”
“Do you have time to talk?”
“Will you go see someone with me?”
Your regular doctor may be able to connect you with the help you need:
Be honest about what is going on
Let them know what you want / need
Listen to what they have to say or recommend
They may send you to someone who specializes in mental health
Make sure to attend all your follow up appointments
Connect with others
Find a mental health doctor: https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/
Find a community support group: https://www.dbsalliance.org/support/chapters-and-support-groups/
Find online support groups: OK2Talk.org
Call a hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
In case of an emergency call 9-1-1
How to Help a Friend or Loved One Who May be Experiencing Mental Health Problems
Notice them
Listen to them
Let them know you care about them
Treat them with respect
Ask what you can do to help them or ask them “How can I be helpful or what do you need right now?”
Let your friend know that there is help for them, and together you can reach out to a trusted adult
Include them in your plans even if they end up saying “no”
Put yourself in their shoes
We at FPS know that this can be awkward or hard to talk about. We want you to know that you are not alone and that we can help you start the conversation and decide together the next step in what you may need.