May 2019 marks the 70th year observing Mental Health Awareness month. Mental health conditions are experienced by one in five adults and teens each year. One in seventeen people age 14 and older lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Further, 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and increase to 75% by age 24. Taking action and seeking help greatly increases the opportunity for lasting recovery.
Causes and Symptoms of Mental Health Crisis
Genetics, brain chemistry, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life can increase susceptibility. The likelihood is further increased by traumatic life events, such as being the victim of a crime.
Feeling numb, helpless, hopeless or experiencing extreme mood swings can be forewarning of a deeper problem. Signs that someone is suffering from a mental illness include having low energy and eating or sleeping too much or too little. Additionally, lacking a desire to participate in activities normally found enjoyable is an early warning. Experiencing unrelenting thoughts or memories and thinking of harming yourself or others are serious warnings of severe psychological ailments.
Suicide in America
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States. In 2017, suicide claimed the lives of over 47,000 people. Additionally, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 34. Among people between the ages of 35 and 54, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death.
Resources and Support
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) provide education and support to fight stigmas surrounding this issue. These organizations advocate for policies supporting people with mental illness and their families.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is living with mental health problems, seek help. Visit: www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help or www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp.
The Merdes Law Office has been helping Alaskans for more than 30 years. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
