Mental Health

A Note from Amy

Hope. It is the belief that change is possible. It is the decision to get up again when you have fallen time after time. When you have exhausted all possible solutions to the problems that weigh you down, Hope says, "Take another breath, eat something warm, get some sleep, and strive again tomorrow." This section of the Sober Truth Project is dedicated to supporting you in your striving and strengthening you for life's challenges. Whether your mental health is strong, or you are just holding on, we can all benefit from hope.

No matter who you are or what you have done, your story is not over, and we believe that there is hope for you. Just go on the strength that you have. When you are ready, choose hope with us by grounding, relaxing, or creating. Let hope arise!

Amy Harmon-Eaton, Sober Truth Project

Mental Health Statistics in the United States

-According to USA Mental Health First Aid

Almost half of the adults (46.4 percent) will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.
Five percent of adults (43.8 million people) experience a mental illness in any one year. Of these adults, 14.4 percent have one disorder, 5.8 percent have two disorders and 6 percent have three or more.
Half of all mental disorders begin by age 14 and three-quarters by 24.
In the United States, only 41 percent of the people who had a mental disorder in the past year received professional health care or other services.

These statistics reveal that mental health issues are more common than we thought. And it is crucial to keep an eye out for any symptoms, otherwise they will grow and affect our ability to function. It will bring misery and problems in school, work, relationships, whatever.

Make sure to spot these signs and symptoms early, because they can be managed with a change of lifestyle, or a combination of medications and talk therapy (and that is OK).

Signs and symptoms of mental health may include:

Feeling sad or down
Confused thinking or an inability to concentrate
Excessive fears or worries
Extreme feelings of guilt
Extreme mood changes
Withdrawal from friends and activities
Sluggishness
Problems sleeping
Detachment from reality, paranoia or hallucinations
Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
Problems with alcohol or drug use
Major changes in eating habits
Sex drive changes
Excessive anger, hostility or violence
Suicidal thoughts

Do you need to see a doctor?

Mental health decline rarely improves on its own. If you are experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, see your primary care provider or a mental health professional.

Helping a loved one

If your loved one shows signs of mental health decline, have an open and honest discussion with them about these concerns. You cannot force them to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support, or help find a mental health professional. You may even be able to go with them to the appointment.

If your loved one has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital or call for emergency help.

There IS hope!

Here are some resources to help pull you out of darkness.


Poetry
Personal Stories
Inspirational Quotes
Affirmations


24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24/7 Crisis Counselor Text Line
24/7 Live Prayer Line
Call 211 for Local Support
The Mighty


Maslow’s Hierarchy
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Condition
Mental Health in Teens
How Stress Affects Your Brain
Impact of Trauma on the Brain
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)
Simply Psychology
Very Well Mind


Graphic Art
3D Art
Photography
Music
Stories: icuTalks
Stories: This Is My Brave
Dance: Rise Up
Dance: You Say
Dark Humor
Light Humor


Yoga
Stretching
Massage
Tapping
Breathing
Guided Imagery
Meditation
Prayer Meditation
Affirmations


Sing
Dance
Create Art
Craft
Journal


What is grounding?
Grounding Techniques