A reminder from UH Occupational Health Services: May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. 

Mental health illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. One in five Americans will experience a mental illness each year. Several factors can contribute to the risk for mental illness, such as:

• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
• Experiences related to other medical conditions
• Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Having feelings of loneliness or isolation

Getting a diagnosis is a critical first step in addressing mental health illnesses. If you are experiencing signs of excessive worry, extreme mood shifts, changes in eating or sleeping habits, thinking about suicide, etc., don't hesitate to contact your physician today.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911.

To learn more about mental health conditions, symptoms, and treatment options, please visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).