Mental Health Awareness

Do you think that mental illness is a “real” problem? Do you believe things like post-traumatic stress disorder or depression exist? Mental illness has existed since the beginning of time, but it wasn’t until 1954 that the first DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – which is the manual we reference when identifying what potential mental illness a client has) was published. Since then there have been several revisions to the manual. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a wealth of information on mental illness to help de-stigmatize it. Take a look at their website. NAMI.ORG. The National Institute on Mental Illness NIMH.GOV is another site with a wealth of information to look at. Finally, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA.GOV is a third excellent website to look at. Nobody is immune to depression, PTSD or any mental illness. It is therefore important to keep balance in your life – balance your work life with your home life. Make sure you get plenty of rest and exercise. Make sure you take time to have fun every day. Eat well. All of these seemingly simple things can help keep you healthy and keep your stress down. This in turn will help you avoid symptoms of depression and anxiety.