Is it time to seek help? Prioritizing mental health

Every year, World Mental Health Day gives us the chance to raise awareness for mental health issues that may touch many of us at one time or another.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 60 million adults live with a mental illness, and the World Health Organization reports that 1 in 7 U.S. 10-19-year-olds experience a mental health disorder, making conversations more critical than ever.

What does mental health really mean?

While 'mental health' is a broad term, it can be affected by a wide range of conditions, experiences, and life circumstances, including:

• Depression, which may present as hopelessness, low energy, isolation, or negative self-perception

• Anxiety, including restlessness

• Substance use

• Grief or trauma

• Eating disorders

• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

Mental health warning signs you shouldn't ignore

Stephen Graves, LMFT, program manager of Adult Services at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center's Murrieta, says that when to seek help differs for each person.

Here are some indicators of when it might be time to seek professional support:

• Increased difficulty managing work or daily responsibilities

• Significant financial or family stress that feels difficult to manage

• Strained relationships or increased conflict

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities once enjoyed

• Decline in self-care or hygiene

• Noticeable drop in performance, motivation, or ability to function

• Spending excessive amounts of time alone

• Significant changes in sleep

• Sudden or persistent mood changes

• Increased reliance on substances or other unhealthy coping strategies

Is stress and anxiety normal?

Stress and anxiety are normal reactions to worrisome situations. However, many wonder what the right amount of stress and anxiety looks like.

"Everyone experiences stress differently," Graves says. "What feels manageable to one person may feel overwhelming to another. The most important thing is to pay attention to changes in your mood, behavior, relationships, and overall quality of life."

It might be time to seek mental health support if you're experiencing the following:

• Persistent stress or anxiety interferes with work, school, or personal relationships

• Persistent sleep issues

• Stress and anxiety stop you from doing the things you enjoy

• Feeling isolated from others

• Trouble concentrating

• An increase in the use of unhealthy coping skills

• Thoughts of self-harm

In addition, anxiety and stress can impact physical health and cause headaches, chronic pain, or digestion problems. If you've noticed that stress or anxiety is affecting your physical health, it may be another indication that additional support could be helpful.

"Taking care of your mental health should be viewed the same way we view taking care of our physical health," says Graves. "The earlier we recognize when we need support, the sooner we can begin building the tools and resources needed to cope more effectively and improve our quality of life."

For information on additional behavioral health services, including substance use programs, outpatient services, adult programs, and eating disorder programs, call us at 909-558-9112.