Recognizing Mental Health Month

 

Happy May, everyone. As we welcome in the next 31 days (and the first glimpses of summer), we also want to raise the flag about an important viral movement that’s happening. Thanks to some fantastic work from advocates across the country, Mental Health Month is generating big headlines and helping to bring important conversations to the forefront.

 

Interestingly enough; this month-long event began back in 1949, but often lacked the mainstream awareness that it deserved. But now, major outlets like The Atlanta Journal Constitution, CNBC and The Los Angeles Times are working to spread the word.

 

The AJC, in fact, shared some important statistics surrounding mental health in this country. In their headlining piece, it was referenced that as many as one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health issue. Half of all lifetime conditions begin by the age of 14, it mentioned, and 75 percent by age 24. The most important piece of data, though, was that those numbers can be curbed with early intervention.

 

The organization Mental Health America deserves the primary credit for this campaign. They’ve been behind it for seven decades now and offer ongoing resources to help people champion the cause. On their site, for example, there is a complete downloadable toolkit. In it, you can find shareable logos, press releases, banner images for websites, fact sheets, social media material and much more.

 

There is also a special hashtag for 2019, which emphasizes both mental and physical health. #4Mind4Body is what MHA wants followers to share, with the hope that those suffering will look to things like animal companionship, humor, recreation and exercise for help.

 

There are also new, bolder colors being incorporated into the campaign; in the hopes that the message will continue to stand out.

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And to their credit, Mental Health America themselves have taken swift social media action since the first of the month. Their @MentalHealthAm handle shares regular wellness tips to offer inspiration and hope on people’s Twitter feeds.

 

 

As they simply and effectively stated on their site, “Mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.”

 

Let’s hope it encourages more people to seek out help and does some broad de-stigmatizations around this very important issue.

 

How Telecommuting Impacts Mental Health

 

In theory, the idea of working from home can sound like a dream come true. For one thing, it eliminates the hassle of commuting. It also can lead to increased productivity, as you may be more focused in your personal environment. But, as recent studies have shown, there could be some detriments as well; particularly when it comes to mental health.

 

According to a new article on the Forbes website, remote workers often struggle with anxiety, depression or even social phobias. Loneliness is also a big issue (as many as 19 percent of home workers claim to experience this), along with self-doubt (which covers 22 percent) since you may not receive regular gratification for your output.

 

Therapeutic consultant Dr. Amy Cirbus, PhD spoke to Forbes about this particular phenomenon, emphasizing a host of common mental health symptoms.

 

“Remote workers often experience symptoms of anxiety and depression at a higher rate than people commuting to traditional office spaces,” she explained. “Specifically, they report feelings of isolation and loneliness and high rates of worry about job performance and stability. Insomnia and sleep disturbance are common, along with increased fatigue, irritation, sadness and feelings of disconnection. Remote workers report a lack of concentration and focus that can compound and exacerbate these mental health challenges. It can lead to a loss of self-worth and a questioning of one’s abilities. Combined together, these symptoms can have a significant impact on job performance, job satisfaction and the efficiency of productive work.”

 

Those who freelance often have the added stress of looking for new work to do from home. Job projects can come and go in an instant, so the fear of unemployment and not paying bills is constantly on their minds.

 

There are also physical issues to address. Being on call throughout the night (for many who telecommute for international companies) can interrupt much needed sleep. Sitting in uncomfortable chairs, as opposed to something ergonomic that you would find in an office, can easily create stressors for the body and mind. And let’s not forget the addiction component, as you have much more freedom to drink and use when not in a corporate setting. So, as uncomfortable as it may sound, sometimes cubicles do have their benefits.

 

The keys to successfully staying out of harm’s way (per Forbes) involve building a support network of people you can physically interact with, investing in a functional home office and seeking out therapeutic services if you’re experiencing emotional struggles.

 

Mental Health Struggles Within The African-American Community

 

We’ve talked before about minorities and the various emotional struggles that certain ethnic groups face. But it is worth noting that the African-American community has some particularly high statistics when it comes to depression, anxiety and suicide. This fact was recently brought up by actress and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson, who has vowed to bring more awareness to the issue.

 

Henson was honored at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon this past month in New York. During her acceptance speech, the Empire star zeroed in on the mental health message and its personal attachment to her life.

 

“The number of black children ages 5-12 who have died by suicide has doubled since the 1990s,” Henson told the reporters in the crowd. “This is a national crisis. My dad fought in the Vietnam War for our country, returned broken, and received little to no physical and emotional support. I stand now in his absence, committed to offering support to African Americans who face trauma daily, simply because they are black.”

 

Indeed, these issues affect African-Americans of all ages. Henson admitted that she too has struggled with mental illness and has now created a foundation (in her father’s name) to help battle stigmas within the black community. The Boris Henson Foundation officially got off the ground in 2018 and offers support, as well as therapy resources for anyone who reaches out.

 

The site also has some alarming facts pertaining to African-Americans and mental health. For example, it reports that one out of five U.S. black citizens suffers from some type of emotional struggle. They have also been singled out as one of the minority groups least likely to seek treatment. There are additional stats on incarcerations and the fact that over 300,000 jailed African-Americans were reported to have some type of mental issue.

 

Henson included an impassioned letter on the Henson Foundation page. As she explains to her followers, she wants to help change the narrative and encourage any African-Americans who are struggling to reach out and get help.

 

“This foundation is breaking the silence by speaking out and encouraging others to share their challenges with mental illness and get the help they need,” she wrote. “African-Americans have regarded such communication as a sign of weakness and our vision is to change that perception. I ask you to join me on this journey. This is our legacy. This is our chance to make a difference. Together, we will break the silence and break the cycle!”

 

Mental Health And Life Expectancy

 

As we’ve discussed many times before on our blogs, living with an untreated mental illness can be absolutely devastating. But can it actually shorten your life? According to some new research from U.S. News & World Report, the answer is yes. But most alarming is the fact that it can impact life expectancy as much as smoking and even diabetes.

 

Over 3,000 different communities took part in this study, which touched on a variety of health-related spectrums. Everything from nutrition, to housing, to education was measured, all in the hopes of understanding what can help Americans live long and fruitful lives. Of course it’s not a stretch to think that a mental illness could shorten your years (issues like suicide and anorexia come to mind), but the fact that it’s on par with cigarette consumption or a debilitating disease like diabetes is surprising.

 

Garth Graham, president of the Aetna Foundation, spoke to the press following the findings. He too was quite surprised to see mental health rank so high as a life expectancy hindrance; particularly since it was not at this level for several years prior.

 

“I at first wanted us to double check,” Graham told CNBC. “Mental health did not have as strong of an effect last year. However, the change is consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data that showed increasing opioid overdoses and suicides weighed on U.S. life expectancy.”

 

Indeed, mental health and addiction often go hand in hand. Those dealing with depression and similar issues often turn to substances to help numb the pain. America’s opioid crisis certainly isn’t helping matters either, with many fatal overdoses that appear to be intentional.

 

Several states were named in the study as having been the most impacted by mental illness. Nebraska, for example, saw life expectancy shorten significantly because of depression and addiction. They see roughly 26 suicides to every 100,000 people and the count is quite similar when it comes to drug-related overdoses. New Mexico, Ohio and Maryland were also named as having shorter life spans due to mental health struggles.

 

The only silver lining we can see is that issues like this are most certainly treatable. As opposed to something like diabetes, mental health does not have cut your life short. Counseling, support systems and proper therapeutic care can make a major difference. If you or someone you care about is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out.

 

Millennials And Mental Health

 

You hear about them all of the time in news stories and research reports. The Millennial Generation is truly coming into its own, as they should. But how are these 20 and 30-somethings coping when it comes to depression, addiction and mental health? It’s an interesting question and one that The American Psychological Association is beginning to delve into.

 

According to a 2018 survey they conducted, millennials (and the Generation Z that’s behind them, for that matter) are more likely than older Americans to rate their mental health state as “fair” or “poor.” They also believe themselves to be at a higher stress level than other generations.

 

Many other research reports have concluded the same thing. This particular sect of Americans (roughly born between the years of 1982 and 2004) have experienced a lot more cynicism and mistrust when it comes to their surroundings. They were, after all, thrust into the job market in the middle of a major economic recession. They were also impressionable youths when catastrophes like 9/11 and the “War on Terror” began to take place. So, in essence, it is not surprising to hear that they are not as cheery as their parents or grandparents once were.

 

One positive note about millennials that came out of the study was the fact they are much more likely to seek out professional help than generations prior. This may have to do with the de-stigmatization of therapy and recovery practices when it comes to a serious problem. The interesting stat that the Association uncovered was that over one-third of millennials said they were receiving treatment or therapy from a mental health professional.

 

But the unfortunate problem today is that many within this age sect do not have sufficient health insurance and cannot afford proper treatment. TheFix.com covered this issue on their blog page and revealed that in a city like Philadelphia, for example, 22% of citizens aged 18-34 had no health insurance. And when you take insurance out of the mix, a therapy session can go for as much as $150 to $200 (quite expensive for a young person’s salary).

 

So it appears as though these people recognize the need for mental health support, but often lack the means to receive it. This happens to be a scenario we encounter frequently at our facility. But the good news is, there are always ways to work through the financial burdens. Above all, escaping the pain of mental anguish should be a person’s primary goal and we would be happy to talk anyone in need; searching for solutions that can work within a millennial budget.

 

Addressing Mental Health In The Workplace

 

It is sad that in 2018, there is still a stigma about mental health. Countless people experience shame around discussing an issue like depression or anxiety when, in fact, they impact millions of Americans each year. Jobs, in particular, can be a touchy place when it comes to bringing up these conditions. Many fear they will be judged or even fired if they let on about about their emotional state. The truth of the matter is, these are natural human conditions that deserve to be addressed and respected by workplace superiors.

 

Recently, the website Refinery 29 brought this important topic up to its readers. Using real life examples of workers suffering from mental health conditions, it illustrated a major lack of understanding from the vantage point of corporate America.

 

Lindsay Johnson (who was interviewed for the piece) shared the challenges she faced as a sufferer of panic attacks and anxiety. At her unnamed tech company, she said she struggled to discuss remote time with her supervisors; a recommendation that came directly from her doctor. To many, her inability to focus and need to leave the premises appeared to be a “workplace cop out;” when it fact they were symptoms of a very real condition.

 

“My panic attacks can come out of nowhere,” Johnson explained on the site. “My confidence has definitely taken a hit as I can imagine others thinking I am ‘slacking off’ when I have to deal with my panic. I have missed work and worked from home more than others when things have gotten worse, which isn’t great for optics.”

 

The article goes on to point out that as much as 70 percent of corporate workplaces do not have mental health policies or were at least unaware of any. Jaime Klein, a senior corporate HR rep, also spoke to Refinery and corroborated the fact that many human resources employees are not properly trained in dealing with mental illness. Often times, these conditions can be confused for laziness or excuses, which can create even more anxiety for the employee who is suffering.

 

However, Klein did say that many people in her field are beginning to shift their attitudes. With that in mind, the hope is that future workplaces will become more accommodating to these types of conditions.

 

“People who suffer from mental illnesses are perfectly capable, they just need the support to thrive,” she concluded. “Mental health should be prioritized in the same ways that any other illness is. It should be okay to say, ‘Sorry, I have really bad anxiety today, can I work from home?’”

 

It’s Never Too Early To Discuss Mental Health

We know that mental health can be an uncomfortable subject, especially when it comes to pre-teens and young people. But, as many states are beginning to realize, starting the conversation early can be extremely beneficial. Just this past month, in fact, New York and Virginia have required mental health education at the elementary school level.

The key here is early intervention and letting students know that they are not alone if they’re struggling. One of the reasons that state legislators have gotten involved is because of the growing number of suicides happening among Americans aged 15 to 24. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), there has been a 30 percent increase in young people who take their own life over the past 18 years.

Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds made this a personal mission for his state, following the suicide death of his 24-year-old son Austin in 2013. He believes (along with many other mental health advocates) that early intervention is the key to lowering this statistic.

“The system failed my son” Deeds explained on TheFix.com. “[Mental health] is an integral part of our overall health and should be an integral part of health education in schools. [We need to] tear down the stigma and provide some equality with those that struggle with mental health.”

New York legislators feel just as passionate about the issue. The research they put forth for their mandate showed that 90 percent of young people who commit suicide suffer from depression or some other diagnosable and treatable mental illness at the time of their death.

The two key words there are “diagnosable” and “treatable.” Both of those play into the idea of adding mental health education to the elementary classrooms. The simple math is; if you bring the conversations to the forefront, that will help you diagnose and treat young people who are suffering.

Interestingly enough, many students themselves are helping to advocate for these changes. Over in Virginia, it was the high schoolers of Albemarle County who helped present the proposal to get the initiative passed. Many testified that they, themselves, had seen fellow classmates suffer and die because of mental illness.

This is something we at inneractions firmly believe in as well. Truth be told, half of lifetime mental health issues develop before the age of 14. So we advise any parent or young person to open up the dialogue and not let these problems go untreated.