One in five adults in the United States experiences a mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, experts are urging people to learn the warning signs and speak up when they notice something is wrong.
Dr. Randolph Baca, director of psychiatric services at Lovelace Medical Center, says the two most common mental health challenges are anxiety and depression. These conditions can show up in different ways depending on the person.
“People who are depressed may have trouble focusing or remembering things,” said Dr. Baca. “Some lose their appetite, while others may eat more than usual.”
Other common signs include:
- Changes in sleep habits (sleeping too much or too little)
- Low energy or constant tiredness
- Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed
In some cases, these issues can become more serious and lead to thoughts of self-harm. Dr. Baca says this is when it’s especially important to reach out for help.
“If someone feels hopeless, like they have no one to turn to, they need support,” he said. “Asking gentle questions and simply being there can make a big difference. But if someone is thinking about hurting themselves, they should talk to a health care professional right away.”
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