Wellness for All: Mental Health Data & Help

Dear Reader,

May is Mental Health Awareness month. I'm sharing with you data and resources to help you or a loved one to live happier, healthier, and healed.

Please share this Wellness for All newsletter to spread awareness.

Share with me in comments your thoughts and insights.

Have a day to treasure,

Anna Pereira, CEO The Wellness Universe

Viewing on LinkedIn? Please subscribe, comment, and share.

Viewing in your email? Open this article on Linkedin and contribute to the conversation.

Thank you.

Mental Health Data & Help

Mental Health Awareness Month was first observed in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization, and has since grown into a national movement. Observed in May to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to educate people about mental health issues, The Wellness Universe is supporting wellbeing with a panel of experts and self-care tools. The goal is to promote mental health and well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help when needed.

Despite the prevalence of mental illness, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding it. Many people feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their struggles, or they worry that they will be judged or discriminated against if they do.

Know if you or a loved one suffers, you are not alone. You are ok. You are worthy. You can get help. You can help yourself too.

According to NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness:

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14

That last statistic above was shocking. If you are wondering what the leading cause of death for this age group is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of death in 10-14 year olds in the United States is unintentional injury. This includes accidents such as motor vehicle crashes, drowning, poisoning, and falls.

Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety can contribute to suicide risk in this age group. It's important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware of warning signs of mental health concerns and to seek appropriate support and resources if needed.

You Are Not Alone

An Eye Opening Infographic

Please note, I'm sharing this infographic with you from NAMI and it reflects data including and prior to 2021. Since COVID and several other factors impacted our lives in many ways since then, these numbers could be higher today.

While staggering, this is the reality many live with. You may be represented here. Chances are, someone you know is represented in this data. Getting the awareness and resources out during Mental Health Awareness month helps everyone.

Stress & Mental Illness

Feeling stressed out is a common human experience and does not necessarily indicate a mental illness. Stress is a natural response to situations that are perceived as challenging, overwhelming, or threatening.

However, chronic or excessive stress can contribute to the development of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. If someone is experiencing prolonged or severe stress, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional.

It's important to remember that mental illness is not just about feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Mental illness involves a range of symptoms that affect an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and can interfere with their ability to function in daily life.

Ways to Manage Your Mental Health & Well-being:

The key is saying yes to yourself and changing habits and lifestyle choices that will help create better experiences. For myself, number 7 became part of my awareness when I was in my 20's. I stopped watching the news and these days, I scroll past negative social media.

Give one, two, or all of these a try and see how you feel after a few days:

1. Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health. It helps you feel more refreshed and focused during the day, and it can also help regulate your mood.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve your mood and overall mental health. It's also important to avoid excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can boost your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Tip: Get out in nature for an extra boost.
4. Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Stay connected with others: Social support is crucial for good mental health. Stay connected with friends and family, and consider joining a support group if you need extra support.
6. Seek professional help: If you're struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you identify the best treatment options for your individual needs.
7. Limit exposure to negative news and social media: Constant exposure to negative news and social media can have a negative impact on mental health. Try to limit your exposure to these sources of stress and anxiety.

Everyone's mental health journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to find the strategies and techniques that work best for you and to prioritize your mental health every day.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted 2 weeks or more, such as:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
• Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
• Inability to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities

Don’t wait until your symptoms are overwhelming. Talk about your concerns with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health professional if needed.

Additionally, it's important to seek professional help immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Suicidal thoughts or feelings: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, or if you are worried about someone who is, seek immediate professional help.
• Self-harm: If you are engaging in self-harm behaviors, seek immediate professional help.
• Substance abuse: If you are struggling with substance abuse, seek professional help as soon as possible.
• Trauma: If you have experienced a traumatic event, seek professional help to process and work through your feelings.

Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness. A mental health professional can provide you with the support and tools you need to manage your mental health and improve your quality of life.

Resources to learn more:

NIH: The National Institute of Health website is a good place for reliable health information.?

NAMI is an excellent resource and is highly recommended as a consumer health website for mental disorders and mental illness.

Your personal well-being is important. Wellness for All programs support your mind, body, spirit, and success!

Seeking transformation in a feel-good space with heart-centered experts?

Wellness for All by The Wellness Universe: Program Library

Connect with inspiring leaders in the well-being industry as they host live sessions with previous sessions on-demand. From meditations to spiritual healing to professional support, over 200 sessions are FREE to join.

Live Wellness for All Sessions This Week

Click images to register free.

Let's have a chat about your wellness needs.

If your group or organization seeks a personal approach to incorporating workshops, programs, coaching, consulting, retreats, from one-on-one to group experiences, in-person to virtual support, or if you would like to have a discovery call to see what's possible, connect with me?here on Linkedin .

I'm always looking to work with top wellness professionals too! Connect with me on Linkedin. Let's make the world happy, healthy, and healed together.

Wishing you a day to treasure!

Anna Pereira, Chairwoman Soul Ventures |?The Wellness Universe, CEO ?| Wellness for All, Well-being Events & Courses | Corporate & Group Wellness | SoulTreat Retreat Producer |?#1?Best Selling Author | Women Owned Business | Mentor

Official Wellness Partner of Soccerex

Are you a Certified Wellness Professional? You are invited to?apply to join ?The Wellness Universe.

The Wellness Universe?Vision:?Global peace by way of happy, healthy, healed human beings

The Wellness Universe?Mission:?To make wellness accessible to everyone

The Wellness Universe?Purpose:?We offer diverse, positive experiences in emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual well-being to support the overall health of individuals and groups