Boone County Alliance | Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health

A mental illness is a condition that changes a person's thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or mood, significantly impacting their daily life and relationships with others. Common conditions include depression and anxiety. It's important to recognize that if you're dealing with a mental health issue, you're not alone. These conditions are more common than many people realize because discussing them openly can be uncomfortable or frightening.

Know the symptoms and warning signs.

Important Facts About Mental Health

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience
mental illness each year

1 IN 5

1 IN 20

1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year

1 IN 6

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

50%

Common Symptoms

Every mental health condition has its unique symptoms. Here are some typical indications of mental illness in adults and adolescents:

Persistent feelings of sadness or withdrawal for over two weeks
Serious attempts or plans to harm oneself
Engaging in risky behaviors beyond control
Sudden and unexplained intense fear
Disordered eating habits like not eating, vomiting, or using laxatives for weight control; substantial weight changes
Hallucinations, auditory or visual, or beliefs in unreal things
Substance abuse or dependence
Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleep patterns
Difficulty focusing or remaining still
Excessive worries or fears that disrupt daily life

Children might exhibit additional signs such as:

Decline in academic performance
Excessive anxiety leading to avoidance behaviors
Hyperactivity
Nightmares
Defiance or aggression
Temper tantrums

Source: NAMI

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms for more than two weeks, significantly impacting daily life, it's crucial to seek professional help.

Suicide

It's crucial to understand that most individuals contemplating suicide exhibit warning signs. Mentioning suicide is not a typical response to stress and should always be taken seriously, necessitating immediate attention.

Key warning signs include:

Expressing sentiments like "you'd be better off without me" or "maybe I won't be around"
Showing signs of hopelessness and helplessness
A history of previous suicide attempts
Engaging in daring or risky behaviors
Observable changes in personality
Persistent feelings of depression
Giving away prized possessions
A lack of enthusiasm for future plans

If you suspect someone might be considering suicide:

Trust your instincts and discuss your concerns with the person.
Engage in an open conversation, actively listening to their feelings and thoughts.
Pose direct questions without judgment to gauge if there's a specific suicide plan.
Seek professional help, even if the person is hesitant.
Stay with the person and avoid leaving them alone.
Avoid promising secrecy, expressing shock, or being judgmental.
Refrain from attempting to provide counseling yourself.

The encouraging news is that suicide can be prevented!

In the United States, suicide ranks as the 11th leading cause of death across all age groups. Shockingly, it stands as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14 and 25-34, and the third leading cause for those aged 15-24.

Statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reveal the following:

The age-adjusted suicide rate in 2021 was 14.04 per 100,000 individuals.
In 2021, men were 3.90 times more likely to die by suicide than women.
On average, there were 132 suicides daily.
White males comprised 69.68% of suicide deaths in 2021.
Firearms accounted for 54.64% of all suicide deaths in 2021.

For Immediate Assistance and Resources

988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for those in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources. Professionals and loved ones can find best practices through this service.

Additional resources: