Ask The Expert: Be Aware of Your Mental Health

Almost half of the people who are living with a mental health condition never seek or receive help due to stigma, lack of information, cost or lack of health insurance coverage. Sadly, one in four of those people have a diagnosable situation that can be treated. Sometimes, people are dealing with depression associated with a chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes or hypertension. Traumatic events, such as the loss of a loved one or a natural disaster, can take a huge toll on mental health. But while mental health and substance abuse conditions are common, many are treatable, and individuals go on to recover and lead full and productive lives.

Here are some tips on what to look for in a loved one (or ourselves) that could suggest mental health problems in need of help.

My 72-year-old uncle has really let himself go after the death of my aunt two years ago. He’s always too tired to do anything, but insists he’s fine. What can we do?

As people age, there are often chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, that make it painful and difficult to get around. Your uncle is probably taking pain medications and maybe something for sleep. Losing his wife was a major trauma added into this mix.

Common symptoms of depression are:

• Isolation, no support system
• Hygiene declines
• Enthusiasm, for everything including eating, is gone
• Lack of pleasure in former activities
• Energy is low
• Irritable when pressed, not the loving person he was
• Impaired sleep, no matter why

Things you can do right away:

• Make sure he has a good support system.
• Keep him engaged with family members.
• Help him stay in good health with good diet, regular doctor and dental visits, etc.
• Help him maintain or develop a spiritual core, e.g., take him to church with you.
• A loving pet can work wonders.

If he doesn’t respond – and he refuses to talk to a psychiatrist or mental health professional – try to improve his quality of life with some of the following:

• Enroll him in a day program at his church or temple, or a senior center.
• Talk to a doctor about his “cocktail” of medicines.
• Remove any alcohol from his house.
• Hire a regular housekeeper or a visiting nurse.

If nothing works and you feel something has to be done, you can bring him to a crisis intervention facility (mental health emergency room) for evaluation, such as the one we have at Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital.

I am a 32-year-old, successful career woman with a 6-year-old child. I have not been myself lately, even to almost arguing with my supervisor and being short-tempered with my child. Should I seek help?

Your situation has become quite common as we try to juggle all of our responsibilities in our complex world. But you realize you have changed and want to do something about it. The success of any treatment depends on our motivation and level of desire to change.

If you haven’t established the following habits, they can help you take charge of your emotions and your life.

• Exercise regularly. Walking is easy, inexpensive and healthy.
• Go to the beach or the pool.
• Meditate or do relaxation/breathing exercises.
• Eat a balanced diet.

There are many tools that can help you. Cognitive behavior therapy can help you learn how to manage your busy life. A low-dose antidepressant can raise your serotonin level, which will help improve your concentration and smooth out rough emotions.

Consulting with a psychiatrist or psychologist is always a good step to take. As mental health professionals, they have the clinical experience to know what is available for you and practical experience from their variety of clients and situations.