May is Mental Health Month
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults experiences mental health conditions each year. Mental health conditions are medical conditions and are not caused by personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.
In recognition of Mental Health Month, NAMI advises everyone to look for the following warning signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health condition:
- Depression: feeling sad, withdrawn or unmotivated for longer than two weeks
- Self-harm: making plans or trying to harm oneself or take one’s own life
- Risk-taking: being out-of-control or engaging in high-risk behaviors without regard for personal safety
- Fear: sudden, overwhelming fear without a reason that may include physical symptoms
- Appetite/Weight Change: significant weight gain or loss, loss of appetite or engaging in unhealthy behaviors to lose weight
- Mood Swings: severe mood changes that cause problems in relationships
- Substance Use: excessive use of drugs or alcohol
- Lack of Focus: significant and ongoing difficulty concentrating or sitting still
- Intense Worries: worries or fears that get in the way of normal daily activities
If you notice these signs, talk to someone. If you find yourself or someone close to you in any of these situations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician or another health professional.
CoolSys offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential consulting services from professionals in mental health and other disciplines. To access the EAP, call 800-538-3543 or visit the program online.