Stock photo by Vecteezy
How Do I Know If I Need Support For My Mental Health?
By Brigid Gates BSN, RN
As a veteran, there are times you may question if you need support for your mental health. You are not alone. Mental illness is common and is nothing to be ashamed of. It requires medical treatment like heart disease or cancer. The CDC states that more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness disorder at some point in their lifetime. 1 in 5 will experience a mental illness in a given year.
According to NAMI, veterans may experience higher rates of mental illness when compared to the general population. Studies have shown that while the general public experiences less than 4% of PTSD in a given year, veterans experience 11-20% in a given year. Deaths by suicide for veterans have increased by 25% during 2020. It is Liberty Medical Center’s goal to make an impact on these statistics by providing support for you early.
Having occasional challenging days is a normal part of life. When your mental health impairs your daily functioning, mental illness may be the culprit. The American Psychiatry Association defines mental illness as consistent problems with functioning in social, work, or family activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a guide published by the APA, defines mental health disorders using set criteria. This guide leads to the correct diagnosis based on your signs and symptoms. This is similar to the process that your medical provider would use to diagnose any illness.
Many factors may cause mental illness and they are not your fault. These causes may include:
Differentiating between going through a challenging time and mental illness can be very challenging. Here are signs that may occur that signal a need for professional support:
It is our goal at LMC to greatly improve your quality of life through our Services such as art therapy, music therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and anger and anxiety management. We want to give you the additional services that you deserve, beyond the VA.
If you are constantly in doubt about your mental health, it is best to make an appointment with your therapist or psychologist or contact the NAMI Help Line. If you are experiencing any of these signs please don’t hesitate to contact us by Becoming A Member Today to begin a new journey of wellness and thriving in your daily life.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/mental-health/art-20044098
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mental-health-recovery/index.asp
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
By Brigid Gates BSN, RN
As a veteran, there are times you may question if you need support for your mental health. You are not alone. Mental illness is common and is nothing to be ashamed of. It requires medical treatment like heart disease or cancer. The CDC states that more than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness disorder at some point in their lifetime. 1 in 5 will experience a mental illness in a given year.
According to NAMI, veterans may experience higher rates of mental illness when compared to the general population. Studies have shown that while the general public experiences less than 4% of PTSD in a given year, veterans experience 11-20% in a given year. Deaths by suicide for veterans have increased by 25% during 2020. It is Liberty Medical Center’s goal to make an impact on these statistics by providing support for you early.
Having occasional challenging days is a normal part of life. When your mental health impairs your daily functioning, mental illness may be the culprit. The American Psychiatry Association defines mental illness as consistent problems with functioning in social, work, or family activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a guide published by the APA, defines mental health disorders using set criteria. This guide leads to the correct diagnosis based on your signs and symptoms. This is similar to the process that your medical provider would use to diagnose any illness.
Many factors may cause mental illness and they are not your fault. These causes may include:
- Past traumas in combat, or past exposure to abuse
- Chronic illnesses like cancer or diabetes
- Chemical imbalances in the brain
- Genetics
- Abuse of drugs and alcohol
Differentiating between going through a challenging time and mental illness can be very challenging. Here are signs that may occur that signal a need for professional support:
- Drastic changes in personality and eating and sleeping habits
- No longer able to cope with life’s daily challenges (not going to work for long periods)
- Persistent thoughts about harming yourself or others
- Persistent thoughts about suicide
- Avoiding social situations constantly
- Dramatic weight loss or weight gain
- Physical aches and pains that have no explanation
- Unrelenting anxiety
- Constant feelings of sadness, despair, and hopelessness
- Persistent feelings of apathy
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Intense and constant mood swings (from euphoria to deep depression)
- Extreme anger or violent behavior
- Experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
It is our goal at LMC to greatly improve your quality of life through our Services such as art therapy, music therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and anger and anxiety management. We want to give you the additional services that you deserve, beyond the VA.
If you are constantly in doubt about your mental health, it is best to make an appointment with your therapist or psychologist or contact the NAMI Help Line. If you are experiencing any of these signs please don’t hesitate to contact us by Becoming A Member Today to begin a new journey of wellness and thriving in your daily life.
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/mental-health/art-20044098
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mental-health-recovery/index.asp
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness
To become a member and receive our services please apply on our Liberty Medical Center of Texas Form and learn more about how we can help you today.
