Mark A. Mahoney
As many residents of Tallahassee, Big Bend, and surrounding areas face the effects of three recent tornadoes, the importance of mental health cannot be underestimated.
The sudden change in our daily life patterns has caused major disruptions from one day to the next. This, combined with the uncertainty of our modern times, has obviously raised mental health concerns. How these disruptions impact our own mental health and how we address these issues needs to be top of mind for us.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to draw attention to the importance of mental health. In today’s ever-changing society, there are a variety of issues that can affect our mental health.
Why is mental health awareness important?
Despite recent advances in the way our society addresses mental health, many Americans still lack access to the high-quality, comprehensive treatment and care they need. Let’s take a look at some surprising statistics about mental health in the United States.
• 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year • Only 47.2% of U.S. adults with mental illness receive treatment in 2021 • 1 in 20 adults each year are experiencing a serious mental illness • Only 65.4% of U.S. adults with a serious mental illness are receiving treatment in 2021 • 1 in 6 young people have a mental health problem 50% of lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24
We know that relationships and the pressures of work and school can affect our mental health, but the effects are less obvious when the world around us is the root cause of our problems. Learn how our changing world is impacting mental health and where to start to have conversations and find help for mental health issues.
4 things that can affect your mental health and 4 things you can do about it
Current affairs: Violent incidents affect people all over the world. Some people may have family in conflict zones, may be concerned about the rise in identity-based hatred, or may have no personal connection to a particular news event but are constantly exposed to graphic images online. I don’t know. A 2022 survey found that 73% of American adults report feeling overwhelmed by the number of crises occurring in the world.
Solitude: Recent survey data shows that more than half (58%) of U.S. adults are lonely and live with low incomes, young people, parents, members of underrepresented racial groups, or mental health conditions. People living with loneliness experience even higher levels of loneliness. .
Loneliness increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression, and is associated with psychosis and dementia. Low levels of social interaction were found to have as much impact on lifespan as smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes a day or alcoholism, and were twice as harmful as obesity.
technology: While it’s great to have the internet at our fingertips to learn, connect with health care providers, and stay in touch with friends and family, it’s not without its drawbacks.constant exposure [bad] News reports and contentious political campaigns can make anyone feel bad and cause anxiety about what’s to come.
In fact, almost 60% of young people (18-25 years old) express considerable concern about the future of our planet. Social media can cause FOMO, depression, and low self-esteem as a result of comparison. Additionally, working from home and email notifications on your phone outside of business hours can blur the line between work and personal time, increasing the likelihood of burnout.
Social driver: Social factors of health (also called social determinants) are the conditions in which you live, work, learn, and play. These include economic status, education, neighborhoods, access to resources (nutritious food, health care, green space, transportation, etc.), and social inclusion, and can have far-reaching effects not only on your physical health, but also on your mental health. One social factor that everyone cares about is the economy.
Research shows a strong link between money worries and mental distress, and for many people, their paychecks don’t seem to be keeping up with inflation and rising costs of living. A 2023 Gallup poll found that 42% of Americans worry about not having enough money to pay their regular monthly bills.
So what can you do when the world is weighing down on you?
Find your support system. Having people around you who support your mental and emotional health makes a huge difference. There are many places to seek support, including friends and family, online support groups, and community spaces. Therapy and counseling can also provide additional support. Ultimately, you need a support system that meets your needs and provides a safe place to heal.
Set technical limits/boundaries. By setting boundaries, you can create space for a healthier relationship with technology. Research what’s best for limiting screen time. Decide why you’re logging on before you log on, and sign off when you’re done.
Change what you can: Taking action and advocating for causes that are important to you is therapeutic in itself. Advocacy and action as a form of healing can have a powerful effect. Knowing that you are doing what you can to make a difference gives you hope for the future. Try getting involved in a local cause or joining an advocacy group. Go out and vote. Stay informed and speak up on topics you need support with.
Find healthy coping skills to deal with difficult emotions: Trying to manage your mental health on your own can sometimes be too much. Seeking professional help will show strength and provide you with the support you need to cope with life’s stressors. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you identify what is affecting your mental health and how best to deal with it.
If you have taken steps to help yourself but are still having difficulty, take a mental health test at the website listed at the end of this article.
Thanks to Mental Health America for providing so much content.
Are you in crisis?
Help is available! Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.
Additional resources/information
Access mental health screening tests to learn more about mental health conditions and access information about popular mental health articles at screening.mhanational.org.
please note: Our online screening tool is meant to give you a quick overview of your mental health. If your results indicate that you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing them with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or therapist) can give you a full evaluation and talk to you about options to help you feel better.
Some additional topics and their impact on mental health are provided with links so that you can explore the various topics in more detail.
Negative news coverage and mental health on mhanational.org
What to say when you’re not fine: mhananational.org/say-when-not-fine
What to say when someone tells you they’re okay but not fine: mhanational.org/not-fine
Dr. Mark A. Mahoney has been a registered dietitian/nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate school in nutrition and public health at Columbia University. Contact him at marqos69@hotmail.com.
