It’s hell getting old, but it beats the heck out of dying young.™
“It is through our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” –Aristotle Onassis
Mental health is basically your attitude and approach to life and involves the psychological, environmental, genetic, or physiological factors that have a profound effect on overall mental development.
Having a mental health checkup is much like having a periodic medical checkup because taking periodic stock of your emotional well-bring can help identify warning signs of common mental health issues like depression or anxiety. These, and other mental disorders, can impair your ability to perform routine tasks, foster healthy relationships, or cope with anger or stress. Or it may even manifest itself in extreme mood swings, irrational or destructive thought patterns, or behavioral problems.
It’s not uncommon. One in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year (National Institute on Mental Health).
Mental Health Resources:
- The Guide to Community Preventive Services - a free resource to help you choose programs and policies to improve health and prevent disease in your community.
- Healthfinder.gov – a government website with information and tools for remaining healthy.
- National Institute of Mental Health – envisioning a world where mental illnesses are prevented and cured.
- Mental Health America – a leading advocacy organization addressing the full spectrum of mental and substance use conditions and their effects nationwide.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – advocacy, education and support through free classes, support groups, outreach and engagement with local government, law enforcement and social service providers.