May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental well-being.
In the United States, about one in five adults live with a mental illness. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or another disorder, these conditions can significantly impact daily life.
Experts emphasize that May is an ideal time to take steps toward improving mental health and overall well-being.
When physical health declines, people often visit a doctor. But what should one do when mental health feels off?
Dr. Jen Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, notes that individuals can seek mental health care from their family doctors.
Mental health is treated as a health concern, just like physical ailments.
Brull said, “When people have mental illness, it impacts every facet of their life, from what they’re doing in their day-to-day to how they plan their future.”
She encourages taking simple steps daily to cope with stress and build resilience.
Start by prioritizing self-care. Sleep well, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and avoid processed foods.
Maintaining social connections, regular exercise, and spending time outdoors are crucial. Exposure to sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which can improve mood.
Symptoms of mental illness vary by condition but may include excessive feelings of sadness, worry, or fear; avoidance of friends and social activities; and changes in appetite, sleep, and energy levels.
Brull advises that these signals indicate it’s time to see a doctor.
She stresses the importance of early conversations and seeking treatment before symptoms become severe.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, remember that you’re not alone, and support is available.
You can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
