Mental Health Awareness Month

An estimated one in five American adults—51.5 million—live with a mental illness. Mental illness can range from mild to severe, impacting people in various ways. For some, their mental illness may only slightly or moderately produce mental, behavioral, or emotional impairment. Others, however, may experience serious impairment, disrupting their ability to participate in daily life and activities. And, still more people have a high-functioning mental illness, which enables them to live productive, seemingly balanced lives. Despite their outward success, these individuals may not have the self-awareness to identify depression, anxiety, or other forms of mental illness. 

With May marking Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to review the signs, symptoms, and types of common mental health disorders. 

As part of their 2021 “You Are Not Alone” campaign, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the importance of awareness and connection when it comes to mental health and better understanding mental illness. 

At Futures Recovery Healthcare, we understand the challenges and misconceptions often attached to mental illness. No one should have to worry, feel guilty, or ashamed about getting help for a mental health disorder. Our Futures Mental Health division tirelessly works together to help individuals and families find and secure treatment and support for a wide range of mental health disorders in a safe and judgment-free environment. 

Why Awareness of Mental Illness is Vital Now More Than Ever

Improving awareness and understanding of mental illness is key to helping progress treatment availability and resources, reducing discrimination, and decreasing health disparities. Recent studies regarding the impact of COVID-19 on both people with existing mental health disorders and those who developed mental illness as a result of the pandemic only emphasize the importance of these initiatives. 

According to an ongoing survey—the Household Pulse Survey (developed by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)—the percentage of adults in the United States between August 2020 and February 2021 with anxiety rose by 36.4% and 41.5% for those with depression. Additionally, in August, 9.2% of people revealed their need for counseling or therapy services had risen to 11.7% in February. 

In a published article by the National Insitute of Mental Health (NIMH) Director Dr. Joshua A. Gordon reported that “In the immediate wake of a traumatic experience, large numbers of affected people report distress, including new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Most people will recover, though that recovery can take some time. A notable fraction of people will develop chronic symptoms severe enough to meet criteria for a mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depressive disorder.”

Those with risk factors such as poor social supports, financial problems, unstable food and/or housing, or a history of mental illness, according to Gordon, are likely to develop chronic or severe reactions, making it more difficult to recover from their condition. 

What Are the Most Common Types of Mental Health Disorders?

The breadth of mental illnesses is wide and complex. Some of the most common mental health disorders include:

• Anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobia-related disorder are classified as anxiety disorders. These conditions cause people to experience excessive anxiety and worry, lasting for days or months at a time. Symptoms can cause significant issues in the everyday lives of individuals, making work, school, and social interactions extremely difficult or impossible to perform or participate in. 
• Autism spectrum disorder. There is a wide variety of symptoms that range in severity for individuals with autism. Some characteristics of autism spectrum disorders include problems communicating and interacting with people, limited interests, repetitive behaviors, and often experience difficulty functioning in school and work.
• Bipolar disorder. This condition occurs in the brain causing a person to have extreme moods and behaviors. For some people, bipolar disorder can even cause impairment in the way they function.
• Borderline personality disorder. This mental health disorder affects the way a person thinks and feels about themself and others. It can make functioning in daily life difficult, causing self-image problems, challenges in managing emotions and behavior, as well as forming healthy relationships. 
• Depression. Also referred to as depressive disorder or clinical depression, this condition is one of the most common (and serious) mood disorders. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe impacting the way a person feels, thinks, and conducts daily activities. There are several forms of depression ranging from postpartum and bipolar disorder to seasonal affective disorder and psychotic depression. 
• Eating Disorders. The most prevalent eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. According to statistics, 9% of people in the U.S.—28.8 million Americans—will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A frightening, shocking, or dangerous event can often trigger PTSD, causing short-term or chronic symptoms such as flashbacks of the triggering event, bad dreams, scary thoughts, avoidance of places that remind a person of the trauma experienced, and more. 
• Schizophrenia. As a serious mental illness that impacts the way people think, feel, and behave, schizophrenia can often be disabling. People with schizophrenia can experience hallucinations, delusions, and difficulty thinking in a rational, logical, or organized way. The condition is typically diagnosed in the later teen years to the early thirties and is more prevalent in males. 

This is by no means a complete list of mental health disorders. If you suspect you or someone you love has a mental illness, it’s best to consult with a professional. Below, we’ll highlight some of the signs and symptoms indicative of many of the mental health disorders listed above (and others). 

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders

Again, the list we provided above is only an abbreviated account—and not a complete inventory—of mental health disorders. Part of helping spread awareness about mental health is educating yourself on the signs, symptoms, and side effects of common mental health disorders. 

People with mental illness may exhibit one or more of the following:

• Continuously having strong feelings that seem to last a long time: Irritability, fear, worry, anger, sadness.
• Ongoing confusion, trouble focusing, and/or concentrating.
• Exhibiting noticeable significant mood changes (either feeling extreme highs or lows)
• Showing signs of avoidance, staying away from family, friends, and activities that were once enjoyable. 
• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively.
• Demonstrating erratic eating patterns (eating a lot, or little to no food).
• Seeming to have problems relating to or understanding other people. 
• Losing sex drive.
• Experiencing delusions and/or hallucinations.
• Appearing to not be self-aware to changes in feelings, behavior, and personality. 
• Using substances in an attempt to “self medicate.”
• Developing physical problems without an obvious root cause (headaches, stomach aches, or generalized aches and pains). 
• Thinking about suicide. 
• Becoming increasingly unable to handle daily activities (especially those that are stressful). 
• Discontinuing self-care (neglecting to shower, brush teeth, and not tending to other areas of hygiene).
• Expressing intense fear of gaining weight and overall appearance. 

Revisiting High Functioning Mental Illness

One area of mental health awareness that is not perhaps as widely discussed— but is of great importance—is high-functioning mental illness. While some people have a combination of the symptoms listed above and are able to identify them (to some degree), others have no comprehension that something is misaligned in their mental state. This phenom is referred to as anosognosia. Not everyone with anosognosia is high-functioning. Sometimes individuals may have this condition due to another underlying health diagnosis such as dementia or schizophrenia. 

Even if a person is high-functioning—exhibiting symptoms of mental illness and able (for the most part) to continue functioning without much consequence—typically, a time comes when the side effects do impact them in a disruptive way. Left untreated, certain mental illnesses and their symptoms can worsen over time. 

Treatment for Mental Health Disorders

Both inpatient and outpatient treatment resources are available to help people with mental health disorders. With personalized, comprehensive treatment, many people diagnosed with mental illness are able to live a fulfilling and enjoyable life. 

At Futures Recovery Healthcare we have a program specifically dedicated to Mental Health. We offer individual therapy by licensed clinicians, family therapy, case management support, group therapy, and recreational activities in an effort to help people identify stressors and triggers, work on personal and family issues, create lasting recovery plans, promote healthy social skills, improve overall wellbeing and self-care, and much more. 

Our program is a safe and non-judgmental resource for males and females 18 and over, struggling with a variety of mental health disorders. 

We treat disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bipolar and related disorders by using clinical, medical and psychiatric interventions, and support. Our interdisciplinary team approach allows patients to receive holistic services and care. Our goal is to help develop and establish a journey of healing and a life worth living. 

You and your loved one can be on the way to healing, happiness, and a more fulfilling and joyful life. Contact us confidentially online or by phone at 866-804-2098.

Mental Health and COVID-19: Where to Go for Help

Despite many people finding themselves tired of COVID-19 (on many levels), it continues to wreak havoc across the nation. And, as evidence continues to demonstrate the far-reaching physical health impacts associated with coronavirus—what about mental health consequences? 

Now, because of the longevity of the pandemic, there is measurable research to reveal exactly how the mental health of Americans has been affected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 40% of adults in the U.S. have reported struggling with mental health and substance abuse. 

These statistics bring to mind the question of whether mental health disorders, as impacted by COVID-19, will be short or long-term? It’s important to consider that while the answer is murky at best, people with pre-existing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia may be particularly susceptible to the effects of the pandemic. The isolation from the pandemic, in particular, is exacerbating stress and anxiety—for people of all ages—regardless of existing mental illness or not. 

Left unaddressed, mental illness can potentially worsen. And, while many people understand this, with all the business closures, including certain healthcare-related resources, where can they go for help? Additionally, people may wonder: Does their insurance cover mental health treatment? Does Medicare cover mental health help? Or, does Medicaid cover mental health assistance?

If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by the pandemic, feeling symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, you are not alone. And, there are places you can go to receive the help you need and deserve. 

At Futures Recovery Healthcare we understand the challenges that come with anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders—on top of the unique issues brought about by a worldwide pandemic. 

If you or a family member is suffering from a mental health disorder, we can help you develop the tools and approaches to embark on a journey of healing and a life worth living. 

How the Pandemic Affects Mental Health

Similar to other types of stressful and unique challenges that impact our lives, the pandemic affects people differently—largely depending on their circumstances. Factors triggering mental health due to coronavirus can include furlough from work or loss of a job, needing to homeschool or monitor online school for a child, isolation from friends, family, and colleagues, financial difficulties, and more. 

The stress produced as a result of these unexpected and often sudden situations can manifest in the following ways:

• Concern for your own health and the health and wellbeing of your family and friends
• Worry about employment (losing, finding, or keeping your job)
• Fear that a physical or mental condition will worsen (including chronic conditions)
• Uncertainty as to whether help can be found for physical and mental health problems

Because of the magnitude of worrisome thoughts and concerns, many people experience:

• Problems with sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in eating 
• Increase in nicotine use, alcohol consumption, or other substance use

Knowing the signs of stress and anxiety in connection with the pandemic is obviously important in helping yourself or someone you love. But, it’s also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness in the absence of an unusual circumstance (such as COVID-19)

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness

In addition to identifying the signs of mental health impacts caused during adversity, such as what the pandemic is producing, it’s helpful to also be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness during times of normalcy. As you will see, there are several shared pandemic-specific and non-pandemic signs of mental illness. 

Signs of mental health disorders can include:

• Problems focussing and thinking clearly
• Challenges coping with everyday situations, problems, and activities
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows (anger or euphoria)
• Delusions and/or hallucinations
• Depression, sadness, and irritability that last for long periods of time
• Suicidal thoughts (or attempts)
• Isolation by choice (preferring to be alone instead of interacting with friends and family)
• Fears, worry, and anxiety that appear excessive and worsen over time
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Use of substances that increases and results in negative outcomes (nicotine, alcohol, and drugs)

Exhibiting the symptoms above, as well as the previously mentioned signs of stress induced by the pandemic may indicate the presence of a mental health disorder. Seeking help for a person who shows signs of mental illness can help their condition from worsening. One of the concerns is suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts). Studies show that 11% of adults in the U.S. have seriously considered suicide during COVID-19. 

A person may be considering suicide if indicating the following:

• Talking about wanting to die
• Looking for ways to die
• Discussing being a burden to others
• Giving important items to others
• Expressing feelings of despair, hopelessness, and “no reason to live anymore”
• Abandoning self-care, not caring about hygiene and appearance
• Demonstrating anger, rage, and vengeful behaviors

If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the signs above, it’s vital to seek professional help immediately. 

Groups Susceptible to Mental Health Impacts During COVID-19

As we mentioned early on, there are certain people more at risk of being affected by the stress triggered by the pandemic. These higher-risk groups include:

• Adults and children with existing mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, as examples)
• Children and teens
• People tasked for caring for family members and/or loved ones
• First responders (police officers, firefighters, EMS and EMT workers, emergency volunteers, military personnel, etc.)
• Persons who have a substance use disorder
• People who have been furloughed, lost their jobs, or experienced other changes to their employment status
• People who are considered essential workers
• Demographics of certain racial and ethnic minorities
• People who lack access to information in their primary language
• People who are homeless, live in rural areas, or are socially isolated

Where to Go for Help

One of the top concerns among people experiencing the mental health impacts brought on by COVID-19 is where to go for help, and how to pay for it. In response to these concerns, President Trump signed an executive order to further assess the mental health needs of the most vulnerable American populations negatively impacted by the pandemic. The Trump Mental Health Order also focuses on grant funding to support mental and behavioral health services including telehealth, peer-to-peer, and safe, in-person therapeutic services.

Some of the steps that can be taken for you or someone you love in need of mental health resources includes:

• Getting a referral from your family doctor/provider
• Seeking a list of in-plan mental health providers from your insurance company
• Acquiring veteran-specific providers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair at www.va.gov/health or call 1-877-222-8387 
• Finding affordable mental health services options through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at http://www.samhsa.gov/treatment or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Reaching out to your local health department. These services are state-funded and free, under the obligation to first serve individuals who meet “priority population criteria” as defined by the state Mental Health Department
• Contacting Medicare at http://www.medicare.gov (Select “Find doctors & other health professionals”)
• Contacting Medicaid at http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/browse-by-category/category/MED
• Seeing if your company has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program)

In determining where to go to get the support you need for mental illness, it’s important to seek the aid of professional, experienced mental health experts. At Futures Recovery Healthcare we have a program specifically dedicated to Mental Health. We offer individual therapy by licensed clinicians, family therapy, case management support, group therapy, and recreational activities in an effort to help people identify stressors, work on family issues, create lasting recovery plans, promote healthy social skills, improve overall wellbeing and self-care, and more. 

Our program is a safe and non-judgmental resource for males and females 18 and over, struggling with a variety of mental health disorders. 

We treat disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, bipolar and related disorders by using clinical, medical and psychiatric interventions, and support. Our interdisciplinary team approach allows patients to receive holistic services and care. Our goal is to help develop and establish a journey of healing and a life worth living. 

You and your loved one can be on the way to healing, happiness, and a more peaceful life. Contact us confidentially online or by phone at 866-804-2098.