When it comes to overall wellness, mental health is just as important as physical health. Taking care of our mental health enables us to cope with life’s stressors, maintain important relationships, learn and work well, and contribute to our community.
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health can prevent people from openly talking about their mental health challenges or seeking help and treatment.
You are not alone
In reality, mental health conditions are very common. The good news is that help and resources are available to help people support their mental health, so there’s no need to suffer in silence or be ashamed.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness.
- 1 in 20 American adults experience serious mental illness.
- 19 percent of adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.
- 17 percent of youth (6 – 17 years) experience a mental health disorder.
Given all the stresses caused by daily life challenges and current events, including economic instability, global military conflicts, and increased social media usage, many of us are having a tough time right now. But, when does “having a tough time” amount to mental illness?
Types of mental health disorders
Mental and behavioral health issues can be hard to recognize. After all, there are many different types, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Impulse control and addiction disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
And some people experience these disorders more strongly than others. But mental and behavioral health issues are like any other kind of health concern: If you think you might have one, it’s worth getting it checked out. If other people are telling you that you may have one, it’s worth getting it checked out.
And if it’s causing you major distress, or affecting your quality of life, you should definitely get it checked out.
Find help, seek treatment
A great first place to turn is your primary care provider (PCP). They’re trained to screen for mental and behavioral health issues and can recommend a specialist for you to see if appropriate.
If your problem can be treated medically, such as with antidepressant or antianxiety medications, your PCP may write you a prescription right then and there.
Or, you may prefer to speak to someone using telemedicine. AmeriHealth members have 24/7 access to behavioral health specialists via online video, mobile app, or phone, through Teladoc Health. They also have access to the Connect to Care network, with providers who are committed to getting members into high-quality care quickly — as soon as one to two days. AmeriHealth also offers members other resources to help with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Please understand that mental health issues are nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about, and they’re not your fault. But it is your responsibility to try to deal with them — for your own health and quality of life, and for the people you care about and who care about you.
Mental illness is treatable. With appropriate support, people can usually greatly improve their mental health and live healthy, productive lives. So don’t try to “tough it out” or pretend everything’s okay. Get help when you need it.
Get help now: Where to turn if you’re in crisis
If you, or someone close to you, are feeling desperate or having suicidal thoughts — please get help immediately. Contact one of these resources right away:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988
- National Hopeline Network, Suicide & Crisis Hotline | 1-800-442-4673
- Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255
You may be feeling hopeless right now. But if you get help, you can get through this, and sunnier days lie ahead.
