Promoting Mental Health: Counseling Awareness Month

Mental health refers to the way you think, feel, and act. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. However, we often neglect our mental health due to the daily pressures that we have from our relationships, work, and other responsibilities. According to the data published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults face mental illness in the United States each year. Mental illnesses are more common than you may realize. Whether you realize it or not, there is certainly at least one person in your life who struggles with some kind of mental health issues. 

In the United States, April is recognized as National Counseling Awareness Month by the American Counseling Association (ACA). Every year, this month is dedicated to raising awareness about the invaluable role of counseling services in treating mental health concerns. By highlighting the significance of counseling, Premium Health Care plans to encourage individuals to seek help and support for their mental health needs. By working together, we can reduce obstacles and advance a society that is more understanding and kind towards those who are dealing with mental health issues. 

Let’s take a moment to discuss why it’s important to prioritize your mental health and how counseling can provide the necessary support to help you overcome any challenges you may be facing. 

Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Problems 

The early signs and symptoms of mental illness can be different for everyone. The specific disorder and various external factors based on their life play a key role.

Here are some examples of signs and symptoms that you should be aware of:

• Constant feelings of sadness and hopelessness
• Severe mood swings or sudden changes in behavior
• Avoiding social interactions or isolating 
• Inability to focus or make decisions
• Loss of appetite or significant weight loss/gain
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Loss of enthusiasm for things you used to enjoy
• Headaches, nausea, or unexplained aches and pains
• Irritability, Intolerance, or short-tempered 
• Excessive worry, fear, or anxiety
• Repetitive suicidal or self-harming attempts 
• Drug or alcohol addiction or dependence as a coping mechanism
• Feeling detached from reality or experiencing hallucinations/delusions

Risk Factors of mental health conditions

Risk factors for mental health conditions can vary widely depending on the specific disorder and individual circumstances. However, some common risk factors that can contribute to the development of mental health conditions include:

• Mental health issues can develop due to distressing life events, like abuse, violence, trauma, and severe loss.
• Long-term stre­ss can cause several me­ntal health problems. These­ may include anxiety, depre­ssion, substance abuse, sleep troubles, pain, and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.
• Drugs and over intake of alcohol can increase your existing mental illnesses or trigger new ones.
• Physical health conditions or chronic illnesses can impact your mental health. This leads to depression, anxiety, or other disorders.
• Childhood experiences, such as neglect, trauma, or attachment issues with something or someone, can significantly impact mental health later in life.
• Certain personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, may increase vulnerability to mental health conditions.

Ways to Improve Your Mental Wellbeing

Improving your mental well-being does not necessarily mean being happy at all times. It also does not imply that you are immune to the effects of the experiences or situations you encounter in your everyday life. Mental well-being simply refers to how you feel and think and how efficiently you are at handling situations in your daily life. 

Remember, the way we set the foundation in the early years of a child’s life can have a lasting impact on their overall well-being. It is crucial to consider the social factors that affect our health. These may include poverty, inequality, and discrimination rooted in our society. We must educate and empower individuals to overcome these societal taboos. Furthermore, it’s essential to sustain healthy habits such as physical activity, nutritious eating, and stress management. There should be early awareness programs in schools, communities, and healthcare settings to provide timely support and intervention for at-risk individuals.

Behavioral health promotion plays a vital role in preventing mental illness by advocating for positive behaviors and habits that contribute to overall mental well-being. If you begin experiencing challenges with your mental wellness, you can consult your primary care doctor or make an appointment with a mental health professional. 

The Role of Counseling in Mental Health

Counseling is ke­y for mental well-being. It give­s people a secure­, supportive place to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Counseling te­chniques can vary depending on the­ person’s needs and pre­ferences. But the­ main goal is to support individuals in achieving greater emotional well-being and overall life satisfaction.

Counseling can help individuals:

• Determine the root causes of mental health difficulties and take appropriate action to support the individual.
• Establish coping mechanisms and tactics to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms.
• Improve communication and interpersonal skills to develop healthier relationships.
• Work towards healing and recovery from traumatic situations.
• Get perspective and understanding to transform your life for the better.

Keeping our mental health in check can be quite challenging. Many of us tend to ignore the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and consider them a normal part of life. We also try to avoid counseling out of shame or fear. If you are struggling with mental health issues, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Counseling offers a safe space to express your underlying issues and supports your journey to mental well-being. 

At Premium Health Care, our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to offering personalized care tailored to your needs. We offer comprehensive mental health and psychiatric services to support your mental well-being.