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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and professionals in the mental health field want to encourage good mental health and reach out to those having mental problems. The United States leads the world in numbers of persons suffering from mental illness. Approximately one-fourth of Americans had a problem with a mental disorder some time in the last year, and one-fourth of those had a serious disorder that interrupted their daily functioning.
Why do Americans have such a high rate of mental disorders?
The reasons are unclear, but cultural factors play a role. Mental disorders are no respecter of persons and strike people of all ages, cultures, socio-economic status, religion, sex, and race.
More than 50 per cent of Americans who need mental health services do not seek treatment. Many will go a decade or more before looking for help and will develop additional problems. About one third in need of help will rely solely on nonprofessional sources. Three factors contribute to not seeking help. They are inattentive to early warning signs, inadequate health insurance, and the stigma that follows mental illness. Half of those who will be diagnosed with a mental disorder show signs of the disease by age fourteen, and three fourths by the age of twenty-four. There are good treatments and medications for persons with mental disorders if they will seek help.
There are 10 things you can do for your mental health:
- Value yourself
- Surround yourself with good people
- Take care of your body
- Relax
- Set realistic goals
- Explore your interests
- Laugh and have fun
- Help others
- Avoid drugs and limit alcohol
- Get help when you need it
Persons with mental disorders should seek help with the encouragement of family members and friends. Help is available through Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma. MHMRST has been providing services to Cooke, Fannin and Grayson counties since 1974. Each county has a mental health center where services are available.
MHMRST treats individuals with major depression, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder. Services include 24 hour mental health crisis services and a toll free hotline number (1-877-277-2226), assertive community treatment (ACT) team, case management, cognitive behavior therapy, community-based assessments, crisis intervention, Medicaid eligibility, respite services, skills training, small groups, supported employment, supported housing, and transportation.
For more information on services, call 903-957-4701.
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