May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community;" they
estimate that only 17% of the population experiences optimal mental health.
Given that broad definition of mental health, no wonder the majority of us are challenged at various points in our lives.
Mental Health Matters!
When people are diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure, they usually seek treatment immediately. With mental health, the opposite is true; the typical length of time between initial symptoms and the correct diagnosis and treatment is 10 years!
E
vidence shows that m
ental health problems often precede physical health problems and improving mental well-being contributes substantially to improving physical health, reducing morbidity and mortality from physical health issues.
|
|
Are You Aware That:
|
|
50% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of them will develop conditions by the age of 14.
There is a bi-directional relationship between mental health and the occurrence, treatment and course of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity.
Depression is the most common mental illness, affecting 26% of the US adult population.
People who are depressed are twice as likely to have a heart attack than the general population.
Treating symptoms of depression after a heart attack lowers mortality and re-hospitalization rates.
Serious mental illness costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year.
|
Take Action and Get Positive Results
Healthy habits for prevention are best started young, but it is never too late to introduce positive self-care to maximize mental health. Exercise has been proven to improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem, social interaction and cognitive function. Connecting with positive family and friends, laughing, volunteering, getting adequate sleep and effectively managing stress can also improve mental health.
When persistent mental health issues are suspected and self-care appears to make little impact, seek help. Do not allow stigma or fear to slow down access to treatment. Mental health issues are treatable. If you are at all concerned about yourself or a loved one, seek professional help.
At Core Counseling, you can pursue Mind-Body Wellness through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness and other therapeutic techniques. To find out more or to schedule an appointment, call me at Core Counseling, LLC: 201.875.5699. Experience a comfortable, private and confidential environment with an atmosphere of encouragement, optimism and compassion.
|
Together we can find solutions to your core issues.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
560 Sylvan Avenue 108 Baker Street
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 Maplewood, NJ 07040
|
|
|
|
|
