World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10

   In honor of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, we at Sunrise Therapy and Counseling Services, here in Monticello, would like to help to provide a greater understanding of mental health and how it may affect your community, your neighbors, your loved ones, and perhaps, at some point in your life, yourself.

   MYTH: Getting help for mental health means you are crazy. FACT: Your brain is one of seven major organs in your body, at times it may become unbalanced.

   Are you crazy if you visit a cardiologist to take care of your failing heart? Or the urologist to address your kidney health? Or the pulmonologist to address your breathing? Of course not!

   Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, communicate with others and act in social settings. When we are in a healthy mental state, we are able to cope effectively with daily stressors, to determine and realize our own capacity, we work productively in our homes and at work, we engage in healthy relationships and we are able to feel the positive effects of our contributions in our classrooms, homes, workplaces and relationships. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood, adolescence and through every chapter of adulthood.

   Several factors can contribute to an imbalance in mental health. History of abuse or trauma, either in childhood or adulthood. A life altering event such as the loss of a job and resulting economic hardship, the end of a marriage, an unexpected accident, the death loss of a family member or friend, presence of postpartum symptoms or an unexpected move. Chronic or terminal illness can have an effect on the mental health state of the patient and their family members. Prolonged use of alcohol or drugs can have a lasting impact on our mental health. And of course, genetic and biological factors that cause chemical imbalances in our brain.

   If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to consider reaching out for help: excessive anger, prolonged sadness, substance abuse, anxiety, inability to manage stress, extreme changes in mood, feeling guilty or worthless, social withdrawal, confused thinking, disorientation, loss of enjoyment in favorite activities, sleep problems, avoiding friends and social activities, chronic irritability, feeling depressed or unhappy, feelings of hopelessness, hearing voices, high and low extremes of emotion, major changes in eating habits, weight or appetite changes.

   Mental health affects people all around you and in fact, is among the most common health conditions in the United States. If you are experiencing a decline in your mental health, there are things you can begin to do today:

   • Seek out a face-to-face connection with a family member or loved one

   • Stay active

   • Reduce screen time: excessive screen time can lead to sleep disruption, behavioral problems, anxiety, hyperactivity, inattention, disruption in relationships and reduced self-esteem 

   • Appeal to your senses through music, walking in nature, cooking, reading

   • Eat a healthy diet 

   • Get a good night sleep

   • Find purpose and meaning in relationships, work, volunteering; be mindful of what you do have

   • Get help if you need it

   You or somebody you know may need to hear the following:

   • You matter.

   • You are loved. 

   • Your story has value. 

   • You are worthy of success. 

   • You are deserving of respectful, healthy relationships. 

   • You have the right to set healthy boundaries. 

   • You alone have the right to determine your self-worth.

   There is help available. For local mental health services, contact Sunrise Therapy and Counseling Services at 319-975-1544 or visit our website at sunrisetherapyandcounseling.com.