Mental Health Awareness Month During COVID-19 Pandemic

Around 450 million people all over the world suffer from a mental illness according to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America). The ADAA also states, “…yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment.”

May is Mental Health Awareness month, dedicated to reducing the stigma that surrounds having a mental illness. An article from The Washington Post called "The Coronavirus Pandemic is Pushing America into a Mental Health Crisis" addresses the increased number of mental health cases, and how “nearly half of Americans report the coronavirus is harming their mental health according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll.”

The article also mentions the “federal emergency hotline for people in emotional distress registered a more than 1,000 percent increase in April compared to the same time last year.”

Mental Health Awareness Month is always important, but this year it holds a new meaning. The world is experiencing unprecedented times, leaving people feeling hopeless and anxious. This month should be prioritized with a determination to decrease the skyrocketing numbers.

Here are some symptoms and signs someone is having trouble with mental health:

• Feeling upset/sad often

• Feeling hopeless

• Fatigue

• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Detachment

• Withdrawal from activities that are usually enjoyed

• Irritability

• Alcohol or drug abuse

• Changes in eating habits

• Frequent mood changes

• Excessive worrying

Here are some ways you can be there for a friend and/or family member who is having trouble with mental health:

• Ask how they are doing

• Check on them often

• Offer support: How can I best support you right now?

• Research mental health: Grasp a better understanding of what your friend and/or family member is going through

• Research mental illness signs, and then watch for them

• Be a friend – include them in plans

Here are some ways you can assist yourself if you are having trouble with mental health:

• Talk to a professional

• Talk to a friend and/or family member

• Make sure you are getting a good amount of sleep

• Exercise regularly

• Practice healthy eating

• Reduce caffeine intake

• Journal

• Spend time outside

• Set realistic goals – such as “make my bed” – no victory is too small.

For the rest of the month, make it a goal to check-in with yourself and others. Mental health is and forever will be a priority.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/

https://adaa.org/mental-health-awareness-month

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968