Mental Health Stereotypes

Of course there are tons of stereotypes for different things out here in the world. But mental health is the focus of this post. There are many stereotypes about mental health which make it harder for someone who may be experiencing one, to reach out and get the proper help in fear of others make assumptions about them based off of the stereotypes. This post will name off a few stereotypes and give the truth:fact about it. 

Stereotype: It's just a phase, you'll get over it

Truth: If you or someone you know is acting out of the normal or is having difficulty dealing with emotions, knw that you are in risk of a developing mental illness and need to seek help before anything furthers. 

Stereotype: Prevention doesn't work

Truth: Addressing risk factors such as traumatic events of episodes of unusual moods can change the chance of a mental illness developing. Promoting emotional wellbeing and social change leads to improvement in emotions and high productivity.

Stereotype: Youth don't experience mental illnesses. They are moody due to hormones and body changes

Truth: Youth are more at risk of a mental health than adults because of the body changes and hormones during the adolescent stage. Social and Psychological changes happening during this time can cause stress and confusion for youth change if not taking care of can lead to a developing mental illness. 

Upcoming Event

Hello everyone! If you don't know what this blog is about, I am doing a senior project for my school and have being researching about Mental Health and Recovery. I have decided to share my knowledge in more than one way through this blog, I will be holding an event in February. This event will be a workshop for youth, grades 7-12, to come learn about what Mental Health is and how to create and work a recovery plan. Stay tuned to learn more details about this event!!! 

When To Get Help?

Dealing with a mental illness isn't easy. The stigma on mental health makes it even harder. The negative view on having a mental illness causes those who are dealing with one to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Those who are wanting to get help are hiding behind the fear of being seen as "weird" or "crazy". Getting help for yourself is never too late. The first step is realizing you aren't your normal self anymore. You've stopped hanging out with your core group of friends, you don't go to the mall or favorite store anymore. This is when you would try to talk to someone who can listen closely to your feelings and current emotions to help guide you to the right professional help. There are therapist and support groups that give you back the control over your mind and health.

If you, or someone you know, is having a hard time getting up in the mornings or trying to do daily activities, please speak to someone about how you've been feeling. The fear in not knowing what you may be experiencing isn't worse than your symptoms worsening if you don't get the proper help.

For those who may know someone who isn't acting as themselves lately, look for these symptoms:

Depression

• weight gain/loss
• loss of interest on daily activities
• feelings of worthlessness, sadness

Anxiety

• rapid heartbeat, dizziness
• panic attacks
• unable to be calm

Eating Disorder

• eats once a day, small or large portions
• excessive exercise
• uses the bathroom after every meal

Bipolar Disorders

• high levels of energy 
• aggressive behavior
• episodes of deprssion

more information: http://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/index.html

Mental Health: Substance Use and Abuse

Substance use and abuse in youth has a co-occurrence with mental health Nearly 43% of youth that are diagnosed have a co-occurrence with drugs or alcohol. The use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco can lead to problems at school and work.

Alcohol
The use of alcohol makes people less alert and vision impaired. Small quantities of alcohol can make you feel relaxed and get you the sense of more confidence. Over time the alcohol will have negative effects of your and mind. Long-term effects include liver disease, cancer, and psychiatric problems; such as: depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorders. "In 2009, 24% of high school students reported episodic heavy or binge drinking" (Youth Mental Health First Aid USA 105).

Drugs
Drugs are commonly misused by youth. Drugs like opioids; morphine, codeine and oxycodone, used as prescribed pain killers after sporty injuries or other major surgeries. The misuse happens after the pain as stopped and the medicine is continued to be used. Youth will take large amounts of the drugs to get a high or relaxed feeling from the drug. Long-term effects from this can be brain damage and chemical imbalance of emotions. The mental illnesses that can evolve from the misuse are depression or social phobia disorders. Methamphetamine and Ecstacy are strong drugs that can be addicting after the first use. The strong, life long effects can result in mood behavior disorders.

For more information about substance abuse and mental illness, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention or https://www.youth.gov/youth-topics/substance-abuse


All sources used in this blog:
Kitchner, Betty Ann., and A. F. Jorm. Youth Mental Health First Aid USA: For Adults Assisting Young People. Baltimore, MD: Mental Health Association of Maryland, 2012. Print.

Recovery: Do it because you want to get better!!!

Recovering from a mental illness can be difficult without support and guidance. You have to have the clear mind to want yourself to get better and to succeed in a new healthy lifestyle. Having a recovery plan is  the first step to a better living style. Your first step is to have a health mind and body. Seek help from a therapist or support group to go to, and talk about your daily emotions and how your everyday thoughts. Your mind will be clear of bad thoughts to give you more room to think positive. A healthy body is important too. If your new, positive mindset was once a bad body image mindset, start healthy eating. Create a health plan for you to follow in your recovery. Start going to the gym or taking time for yourself to go on walks or runs. This can be 2-4 days a week, or as necessary as you feel. The next thing to do in your recovery is to make sure you have a stable living environment. Live by yourself for peace and time to make that space your own or live with a supportive partner so you can have comfort from someone who cares. Along with a stable living environment, you have to have a purpose to your recovery. The main goal to recovery is to make you health again. Whether the purpose for recovery is for you family or your partner, the soul purpose is you. You will get the most benefits out of getting better and becoming a new version of yourself. Recovery is a challenge and can be succeeded with the correct, positive help around you.

For more information, along with this post, visit www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/recovery/

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorder is experiencing an unpleasant state of anxious or overwhelming emotions during any given time. Anxiety can be mild to severe, which can lead to having panic episodes. Anxiety disorders affect 1 in 8 youth, according to Youth Mental Health First Aid USA, the prevalence in children 9-17 years of age is 13 percent. There are many signs and symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder. Physically you could experience rapid breathing or shortness in breath, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, dry mouth, and excessive sweating. Other signs and symptoms include confusion, excessive fear and worry, phobic behaviors, isolation, and sleep disturbance. There is many risk factors for anxiety disorders. Having a sensitive emotional nature and seeing the world as a threat, exposure to traumatic events during childhood, parental separation and activity with AOD (alcohol, other drugs).

In the Youth Mental Health First Aid USA book, it is a guide to those who want to learn how to help assist someone in need of a supporter during a mental health crisis This book is designed to give tips on what to look for in any given mental illness and what to do when dealing with a young person in a crisis. The book is not in any way giving an individual the ability to diagnose someone else. I personally have learned from this book, all the different symptoms to many mental illnesses and who to help another youth in a moment of need.

What is Depression?

Depression is a state of sadness that makes a person have feelings of hopelessness and the inability to do everyday activities. Depression is serious medical condition that prevents a person from enjoying everyday life and experiences. Symptoms of depression include: feelings of guilt, hopelessness, general sadness; behaviors that display self-harm, social isolation; restless sleeping or too much sleeping; weight gain or weight less (excessive). Dealing with depression can be extremely hard if you are not being treated or practicing safe self-help methods. Common medical help would be to get in touch with a doctor and/or psychiatrist and talk about your emotions and mood swings to see how severe then are, in order for the correct medication to be provided for you. Self-help routines are encouraged to go along with the medication. Self-help routines, such as, seeing a therapist, practicing positive thinking or writing a journal, are ways to help cope with the sad moods during this time. I come across that self-help is a strengthening skill for all mental illness. To find out more about how to assist with someone who may experiencing depression, or to help yourself, please visit nimh.nin.gov for more information.

The reason for this blog

Hello. My name is Nakasha Barfield and I am a high school senior who is doing a project about mental health, the cause and effect and the recovery. I will be focusing on the two most common illnesses, depression and anxiety, for the next couple months. I will be posting blogs about the different illnesses, signs and symptoms, and the necessary recovery plans to getting back to who you were before the aliment. I have created a website to visit as I go about my project and the process, please feel free to visit http://www.nakashabarfield.wix.com/mentalhealth

It's okay to not be okay

Having a mental health illness has always been looked at in a bad way. It's as if you've been labeled "damaged goods", so now no one wants to be around you. You are not handicap because of a mental illness. Having bipolar disorder or an eating disorder doesn't mean you are broken and will never see another good day again. Just like breaking an arm or leg, you can recovery and heal again. The stigma behind being diagnosed with a mental illness makes those of us who are experiencing symptoms afraid to reach out and get help. The quote, It's okay to not be okay, has so much power behind. In my opinion this quote is saying that it's okay to have a bad day, not feel like myself or just cant feel better. Soon, someday, I will see sunny days and be able to smile. Don't let your mental disorder, be who you are.