Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

By: Brittney Grooms

Did you know each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness? One in 5 Americans is affected by mental health conditions.

Types of mental illnesses

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Personality Disorder
• Trauma such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• ADHD

Warning Signs and Symptoms: In Adults, Young Adults and Adolescents:

• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
• Social withdrawal
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Strong feelings of anger
• Strange thoughts (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance use

In Older Children and Pre-Adolescents:

• Substance use
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of physical ailments
• Changes in ability to manage responsibilities – at home and/or at school
• Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
• Intense fear
• Prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death
• Frequent outbursts of anger

In Younger Children:

• Changes in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)
• Hyperactivity
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience or aggression
• Frequent temper tantrums

If you or someone you know are experiencing any signs or symptoms that concern you, we are here to help. We are located at 149 North Star Dr. in Jackson, TN. With no appointment needed we are open Monday through Saturday 8 am to 8 pm.

If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.