What is a mental illness? What’s the difference rather than just being sad? What does it look like? What can you do to prevent crisis? A mental illness is much more than sadness. It is a health problem that can control both your body and mind leading up to horrible and permanent decisions. There are numerous forms and signs to look for. You can never be too safe. Weather you see these signs in you or a friend there is an answer. The most common forms are depression, anxiety/panic disorders, OCD, addiction, bipolar disorders, etc. leading to things such as eating disorders. There are 2oo + classified forms of mental illness. Symptoms may include mood, personality, habits and social with drawl. Any sign or concern should be taken seriously because it can potentially save a life. Keep in mind that you can help prevent a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Some of the time these signs are hard to identify especially for introverts and private people. For others they clearly need saved. Even if you don’t know the person evaluate what you’ve been witnessing and help them find a solution even if it’s not long term it may fix some permanent dents.
There are plenty resources and many of them are listed around the halls of mesa county schools. There is 24/7 support and information. All you have to do is text HELLO to 741741 from anywhere in the United states any time for any reason involving any type of crisis. A trained and live crisis counselor will receive the message and quickly respond to your situation. There is also a local service reachable at 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. Small triggers can end lives and you can prevent that by simply watching for the signs and being kind. Don’t be afraid to get someone help including the same for yourself. It can change a life. The mind springs crisis line is 241-6022 or 1-888-207-4004. These live counselors will also give you help and provide resources for evaluating. In an extreme situation 911 will transfer you to the national suicide prevention line or vice versa to ensure yourself or someone else’s safety. 1-800-273-8255 or text (1-800-273-TALK).
Some people are too scared or too insecure or out of options and don’t want to reach out for help. Why would we turn hurting people always when other people are all that they might have? You do not know what is going on at home or in their minds. Don’t say something to anyone that you might regret. You can’t just take things back that could possibly pull their last straw and snap. Constantly think about what could be going on in their lives that. A simple phrase such as “shut up no one likes you” could tear down somebody’s world. Filter what you say and put it into more than your own perspective.
Never be afraid to get someone or yourself some help. They may be mad at you for getting in their business or in their way but in the long run you’ve saved their lives. Mental illness starts small and if it doesn’t get stomped out at the root, can turn into a permanent scar. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS think before you do something that you can’t take back. Half of the time both teenagers and adults are dramatic yet there still is a 50% Chance that they are desperate for help, no matter how hard they try and hide it. Nobody is alone. We can stomp out the stigma, together.
“How Invalidating My Bipolar Disorder Invalidates Me.” NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions.
What Is Mental Illness?, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness.
Mental Illness.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Oct. 2015, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/basics/definition/con-20033813.