Everyone needs good mental health
Just like you must take care of your body, you must also take care of your mind.
Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that our mental health is important.
“If you think about physical health, most of us go to the doctor every year and get a checkup,” said Michael Mullet, the Community Relations Director for Highland Rivers Behavioral Health. “That doesn’t exist for mental health.”
Highland Rivers provides behavioral health services including outpatient care, crisis services and peer support.
It’s estimated that one in every five people experiences mental illness at some point in their lives.
Mullet is one of them.
“I’ve had clinical depression,” he said. “It took me a while to realize it. I felt like something was wrong and everything seemed like a struggle.”
Once Mullet realized he was depressed, he went to a doctor, found a therapist and got treatment.
“They helped a lot,” he said. “My symptoms went away and have not come back.”
There’s nothing wrong with getting mental health help when you need it.
Most mental illness is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, he said.
The good news is that medications and talk therapy can help heal your mind, he said.
“Mental health and physical health are really connected.” he said. “Taking care of your physical health, a lot of times can have a positive impact on your mental health.”
Getting exercise, sleeping well and not taking drugs all help people maintain their mental health.
It will also benefit your mental health to stay off social media, he said.
“I don’t want to say never to get on social media. But definitely think about that. And maybe limit the amount of time you spend on it,” he said.
These things won’t guarantee you will feel great. But they often go a long way in helping your mental health improve, Mullet said.
It’s always good to pay attention to your friends and loved ones to make sure they’re doing alright, he added.
“Friendship definitely plays a protective role,” he said. “When you have a group you can talk things over with, it helps a lot of times.”
Many different factors can go into supporting your mental health, said North Georgia Health District Communications Specialist Jennifer King.
“Public health supports mental wellness through many of the services and programs we provide year-round, including maternal and child health services, substance misuse prevention efforts, emergency preparedness and recovery support, chronic disease prevention, health education and community outreach initiatives that help strengthen protective factors and improve overall quality of life.”
People can contact Highland Rivers at 800-729-5700 to learn more about available services or to schedule an appointment.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or emotional distress can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is available at all times.