Mental Health Awareness, Pt. 2
Image credit: Branden Harvey
Trigger Warning: we’d first like to warn you that this article contains sensitive subject matter regarding suicide.
Mental health is not static, it’s a nuanced state that can change. We know that this year has impacted all of us, in ways we may not even be able to understand without hindsight vision. We are also recognizing that all around us, people have been suffering greatly in the aftermath of this difficult and often unrecognizable, year. At the Nelle, we are committed to learning about how to best get help and support ourselves as well as those in our community.
It’s troubling to hear that right now, 1 in 5 U.S. adults are experiencing high levels of psychological distress (according to a Pew Research Center). For many of us, that means several family members or friends are in a tough space right now. This also means we, and many of our Nellies are possibly suffering too. We will continue to dedicate Nelle News space to to address the mental health crisis in the hopes that by having these conversations we can work through options for healing and care.
It must always be said, If you or someone you know has thoughts of death or suicide, call (800) 273-TALK (800-273-8255) or 9-1-1 immediately. You can also text HOME to 741-741. Or contact a medical professional, clergy member, loved one, friend, or hospital emergency room.
Take a Mental Health Test. If you are feeling low but unsure of what to do about it, start here. Mental health conditions are real, common and treatable. Recovery is possible. Following this screening, you will be provided with information, resources and tools to help you improve your mental health.
Get connected to a therapist, even if you do not have insurance. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a telephone line that offers free assistance and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (1-800-950-6264). This is a resource for emergencies as well as a guide to free resources in our area. Again, text HOME to 741-741 at any time to be connected with a trained specialist.
Know common signs of mental distress according to NAMI:
Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities
Difficulties understanding or relating to other people
Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy
Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
Changes in sex drive
Difficulty perceiving reality (delusions or hallucinations, in which a person experiences and senses things that don't exist in objective reality)
Inability to perceive changes in one’s own feelings, behavior or personality (”lack of insight” or anosognosia)
Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs
Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)
Thinking about suicide
Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
An intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
Know the stats. Know if you belong to a category that is statistically higher risk. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), middle-aged people (especially men) have the highest rate of suicide compared to other groups. Other high risk groups include:
Young American Indian men
Alaskan natives
Veterans
L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+
Youth and young adults
Attempt survivors
Loss survivors
Disaster survivors
If someone you know is immediately at risk or hurting themselves, do not try to handle the situation alone, get help from a trained professional as quickly as possible:
Call 911 or go to the emergency room
Tell a family member or friend right away what’s going on
Don’t leave the person alone
Try to find out if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs or may have taken an overdose
Take care of yourself:
Take breaks from the news, including social media. Give yourself time and space to focus elsewhere.
Take care of your body. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise. Get plenty of sleep.
Make time to unwind. Engage in activities or hobbies you enjoy.
Give yourself permission to feel down. It’s okay if you’re not okay.
Stay connected with friends and family by phone, videochat, text or email. Share your feelings with people you trust. Seek professional help from a licensed mental health professional if necessary.
Life has peaks and valleys. Gutters and strikes. It’s always okay to seek help, treatment or to call someone when things seem too hard. Be so good to yourself in the aftermath of this stressful year, and just always aim for kindness to yourself. You deserve it, you are unique and you are so loved.
An Abby Yemm playlist for you…
Disclaimer: We love having these conversations. We hope you love them as well. As a peaceful reminder, all views, opinions, statements, feelings, and vibes posted on Nelle News are solely those of the beautiful individuals involved. They might not represent any other person, agency, organization, employer, or company’s views, opinions, statements, feelings, or vibes. Nelle profiles are meant to entertain and show a real-life conversation; nothing more or less.