May is Mental Health month. With the state and local economy in turmoil it is important to recognize how this can affect both our physical and mental health. With increased unemployment, foreclosures, and other financial distress in our community it can result in a whole host of negative health effects - both physical and mental. It can be particularly devastating to you and your family's emotional and mental well-being. Although each of us is affected differently by economic troubles, these problems can add tremendous stress, which in turn can substantially increase the risk for developing such problems as substance abuse, depression or anxiety, among others.
Just like good physical health is important, mental health is essential to overall health and well being. Serious emotional and mental health disorders in adults and children are real and treatable. It is important to be aware of signs that financial problems may be adversely affecting your emotional or mental well being - or that of someone you care about. The Ohio Department of Mental Health says these signs can include:
•Persistent Sadness/Crying
•Excessive Anxiety
•Lack of Sleep/Constant Fatigue
•Excessive Irritability/Anger
•Increased drinking
•Illicit drug use, including misuse of medications
•Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
•Apathy - not caring about things that are usually important to you
•Not being able to function as well at work, school or home
In tough economic times there tends to be an increase in suicides. Unemployment and other kinds of financial distress do not "cause" suicide directly, but they can be factors that affect the risk for suicide.
These financial factors can cause strong feelings which can start up suicidal thoughts or actions among those who may already be vulnerable to having these feelings because of life-experiences or underlying mental or emotional conditions that place them at greater risk of suicide.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health states these are some of the signs you may want to be aware of in trying to determine whether you or someone you care about could be at risk for suicide:
•Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
•Looking for ways to kill oneself
•Thinking or fantasizing about suicide
•Acting recklessly
•Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life
If you or someone you care about are having suicidal thoughts or showing these symptoms SEEK IMMEDIATE HELP. Call the local crisis line at 1-800-224-0422; take the person immediately to the hospital emergency room or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for help.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone. These are common reactions to stress, and there are coping techniques that you can use to help manage it:
•Try to keep things in perspective - recognize the good aspects of life and retain hope for the future.
•Strengthen connections with family and friends who can provide important emotional support.
•Engage in activities such as physical exercise, sports or hobbies that can relieve stress and anxiety.
•Make sure that you laugh every day-find the humor in every situation in your life.
Even with these coping techniques, however, sometimes these problems can seem overwhelming and you may need additional help to get through "rough patches." Fortunately, there are many people and services that can provide help. These include your:
•Healthcare provider
•Spiritual leader
•School counselor
•Community health clinic
These are stressful times, and we all know we should take better care of ourselves and our kids, but who has time? Here are some reminders from the Department of Mental Health of things you can do in 30 seconds or less. Remember, sometimes the cumulative effect of many small choices can add up to a big difference.
1 - Breathe. Every time you stop at a traffic light, stand in line, or answer the phone, make it a habit to take at least three deep breaths.
2 - Drink water. At least six to eight glasses a day. Our bodies are mostly water, and it needs to be replenished often throughout the day. Keep water readily available at all times in your home, at work or school, and in your vehicle.
3 - Laugh. It's healthy, it's free, and it's great to share with your family. End the day with a smile. Listen to or tell a joke, or watch something funny on TV.
Economic downturns can be frightening to everyone, but that there are ways of getting through them - from engaging in healthy activities, positive thinking, supportive relationships, to seeking help when needed from health professionals.
David Higgins is executive director of Mental Health, Drug, and Alcohol Services Board of Champaign and Logan Counties. Tammy Nicholl is director of services systems.
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