Mental Health First Aid
Introduction
Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with mental illness each year. In fact, according to NAMI,
1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience mental illness each year and 1 in 6 youths experience some form of
mental illness. Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of
mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples
of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and
addictive behaviors.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern
becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect
your ability to function.
What To Watch For
- Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder,
circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts
and behaviors.
Some examples of signs and symptoms include:
- Feeling sad or down
- Inability to concentrate
- Extreme mood changes
- Problems falling or staying asleep, excessive tiredness
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Changes in eating habits
- Excessive anger or hostility
- Problems with Alcohol or Drug use
Mental Health First Aid
- Recognize the signs- Be aware of changes in your own or others’ behavior, mood and
changes in energy or motivation.
- Listen non-judgementally– If someone close to you chooses to open up- be a listening
ear! Focus on listening and empathizing, not fixing and don't interrupt. We encourage
speaking with a close relative or friend who you feel most comfortable with.
- Use phrases like “I am here for you” or “I can tell this is really hard for you”
- Validate their emotions and know that even difficult emotions “make sense”
- If you or a loved one has any signs or symptoms of a mental health disorder, we
encourage you to seek the help of a Mental Health Professional and/or your Primary
Care Provider.
- It can be helpful to find someone to help research therapists and set up
consultations. Getting professional help is a big step and one to be proud of!
- Encourage self- help and coping strategies. Common coping strategies include:
- Cleaning up your sleep routine: Going to bed and waking up at the same time
every day is an important step in ensuring better sleep- our brains like routine.
- Exercise regularly: Walking, swimming, or any form of movement releases
dopamine and assists in sadness and depression as well as stress and anxiety.
If you can exercise outside or as part of a group that is even better!
- Journaling can help organize thoughts and provide a release of emotions.
- Create playlists- one to match your mood and one you can’t help but dance to–
each has values– use them to help express yourself or motivate yourself.
- Go on a social media “detox.” Social media has been shown to exacerbate
feelings of stress, anxiety and worthlessness. Maybe a detox means unfollowing
accounts that you notice make you feel worse. Maybe it means deleting apps
from your phone or setting time limits. Paying attention to what you are focusing
on can be an important way of changing your mindset!
The therapists at Bella Vita Psychotherapy Group are always here to help you through
stressors, life changes and difficult thoughts and emotions. We encourage you to think of your
mental health just as you think of your physical health- something to pay attention to and seek
professional help when you have questions or concerns. Also remember that therapy can
benefit everyone, whether you are experiencing stress around a life transition or have noticed a
serious shift in mood.
