May is Mental Health Awareness Month! This month is dedicated to raising awareness and educating each other about the realities of mental illness and behavioral health. One in five adults in the United States have a mental health disorder, from mild anxiety to schizophrenia, but the persistent stigma surrounding mental conditions prevent many from getting treatment.

YOU can make a difference! Know the signs of mental illness and be open to discussing and supporting those around you. With knowledge and the right resources, you can be a positive force for mental health!

Warning Signs

• Excessive worrying, sadness, or anger
• Sudden changes in lifestyle or sex drive
• Sudden or extreme mood swings
• Confused thinking or problems concentrating
• Sudden changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Substance abuse
• Inability to deal with stress or carry out basic activities
• Withdrawal from friends or activities
• Nervousness, paranoia, or fear

While one or even a couple of these don’t necessarily mean someone has an illness, they still suggest that the person needs support and further evaluation.

What To Do

Talk about it! Find a good time when you have some privacy and express your concern. Remind your friend that you care and are there for support.

Offer resources. The internet is rife with tips and steps for self-care, meditation, and emotional support. Simple steps like eating right, drinking water, and getting exercise can drastically improve one’s mental health. If your friend is receptive, point them in the direction of therapy.

Get help. NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) offers comprehensive resources and support for all kinds of mental illness. Call their HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or reach them at [email protected] to learn more about the resources in your area.

In a crisis situation, your friend’s life might be at risk. Ask your friend to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also offer your friend a ride to the hospital or, if all else fails, call 911.

By offering our support and tapping into the support system around us, we can keep each other happy, healthy, and strong! Be there for someone today!