Written by: Anna L. Lyall, PharmD, Clinical Health Coach

July is the peak of summer, a time when family and friends gather for reunions, barbecues, pool parties, and bonfires. When we think of all the good in summer, we often forget about the people who may struggle the most. Individuals with mental health issues may attend these same events or be within the same crowds of people, they may even be your closest friend or family member. This July we wanted to bring awareness to mental health and the stigma that may surround it. Read on to learn more about key issues of Mental Health. 

 

What is Mental Illness?

According to the Mental HEalth Foundation, Mental illness is a term used to describe mental health conditions that impact mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders may interfere with a person’s ability to relate to others and function on a daily basis.

Mental illnesses can include mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, it can also include psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. However, anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness. Anxiety is estimated to affect 48 million people in the U.S. per year. Symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness one is struggling with. However, some common symptoms associated include insomnia, agitation, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, emotional numbness, inability to concentrate, excessive fear and worry, and self-harm.

Although many people suffer with mental illness, the Mental Health Foundation states that nearly half do not seek treatment leading to life-threatening consequences. Unfortunately, many individuals delay care because of stigma or underfunding for mental health care providers.

 

What is Stigma?

Stigma is defined as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” This very definition is the cause of why people hide or avoid help. The Mental Health Foundation states that “research shows that those struggling experience discrimination in all aspects of society including at work and when trying to obtain housing due to stereotypes about violence and incompetence.” Unfortunately, the media often contributes to negative portrayal and people feel as if mental illness is untreatable or unrecoverable conditions. This is far from the truth. Today there are various options which can help people living with a mental health condition experience a life of strength, joy, and wellbeing. 

 

Treatments and Medications

Mental health treatments may include counseling, psychotherapy, medication initiation, case management, support groups, a combination of services, or one service alone. No matter which path is chosen, there are options. The first step in determining a treatment is speaking with your primary care provider and discussing your concerns openly. However, if you are having thoughts of suicide seek immediate care. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 and provides free and confidential support for people in distress; their number is 1-800-273-8255. 

For other individuals who speak with their primary care provider, medication adjustments may be recommended. Medication initiation is not for everyone and there can be risks associated with any new medication. However, there can also be many benefits. If you are prescribed a medication for an associated mental illness, our Food City Pharmacists are here to help!

Many medications which are used to treat a mental illness take several weeks to have an effect within the body. Therefore, it is important to take medication as prescribed by your health care provider. Some medications prescribed for a mental illness may also worsen feelings of depression, suicide, or anxiety. If you experience a worsening of symptoms upon taking any new medication, talk to your health care provider right away!   

If you feel as though your provider has prescribed a medication for a mental illness but are unsure which medication you take for this purpose, talk with your Food City Pharmacist today to better understand regimen.

 

Diet and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle modifications can also go a long way in helping you meet your health goals even your mental health goals! 

Lifestyle modifications like increasing physical activity help relieve stress and improve mood. Mayo Clinic states that, “Exercise increases your overall health and your sense of well-being, which puts more pep in your step every day. But exercise also has some direct stress-busting benefits.” Those benefits include releasing endorphins (your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters), reducing the negative effects of stress, and shedding daily tensions through meditation in motion.

 

 

Don’t let stigma define you or what your future holds. Make plans today to improve your mental health and wellbeing. If you know someone who may be struggling, reach out to them and let them know they are not alone. Together we can build a healthier tomorrow.

 

This article is intended for information purposes, please speak with your health care provider concerning diagnosis and treatment.

 

_References:

_{“Mental Health Foundation.” Mental Health Awareness: The Ultimate Guide [2022];. Mental Health Awareness: The Ultimate Guide [2022] - Mental Health Foundation}

_{“Suicide Prevention Lifeline.” National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org)}

_{“Mayo Clinic.” Stress Management. Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress - Mayo Clinic}