There’s a massive stigma against openly discussing mental and behavioral health issues in today’s society. There are widespread beliefs that all people with mental health issues are “crazy,” or that only other people have such problems, or that they’re a sign of weakness.
But in reality, mental health issues are very, very common. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness.
- 1 percent of American adults live with anxiety disorders.
- 9 percent of American adults live with major depression.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) projects that more than 50 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder within their lifetime. Given all the stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, financial and food insecurity, global military conflicts, and so on, many of us are having a tough time right now. But, when does “having a tough time” amount to mental illness?
How to Tell If You May Have a Mental Health Problem
Mental and behavioral health issues can be hard to recognize. After all, there are many different types, including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Impulse control and addiction disorders
- Personality disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
And some people experience these disorders more acutely than others.
But mental and behavioral health issues are like any other kind of health concern: If you think you might have one, it’s worth getting it checked out. If other people are telling you that you may have one, it’s worth getting it checked out.
And if it’s causing you significant distress or affecting your quality of life, you should get it checked out.
A great first place to turn is your family doctor. They’re trained to screen for mental and behavioral health issues and recommend a specialist for you to see if appropriate. Or, you may prefer to speak to someone remotely using telemedicine.
With appropriate treatment, people can usually greatly improve their mental health and live healthy, productive lives. So don’t try to “tough it out” or pretend everything’s okay. Get help when you need it.
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