Emphasizing Awareness During Mental Health Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is a national movement observed in May to address stigma, give support, educate people and advocate for policies about mental health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental health issues. 

The facts

• Nearly half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life. 
• Four million children and adolescents suffer from a serious mental disorder.
• Mental health disorders account for more disability than any other illness, including cancer and heart disease, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 
• In 2023 alone, more than 50,000 Americans died by suicide – more than any year on record.

Mental illness disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. There are more than 200 types of mental illness and conditions, which means there’s no blanket solution and it can be a complex topic for people to wrap their head around. Issues with mental health span a wide spectrum including anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia, to name a few.  

Ending stigma

Mental health issues are more common than you might think. Seeking help shows strength and resilience, factors that are essential to fighting disease and improving well-being. 
Therapy is helpful for many mental health concerns, and not just severe cases. It can be a valuable way to cope with stress and not depend only on medication to address cognitive and behavioral health. Lifestyle changes and social support networks also offer solid ways for people to address mental health concerns. 

Prevention and early intervention

It’s important to note that things like stress, anxiety and depression can greatly affect mental health and harm your well-being if not addressed. Taking some simple steps can help. Getting good quality sleep, exercising regularly, eating well, engaging with other people and connecting in your community are all ways to prevent more serious mental health issues from taking root. But it’s not a cure-all and several disorders develop regardless of lifestyle factors. 

Seeking support from medical professionals to address mental health is always a great option. There’s no shame in seeing your doctor, and INTEGRIS Health offers a variety of ways to help. 

Did you know that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14? 

It may be hard to believe, but it shows how important it is to be proactive about our mental health. 

“If a child was sick, we would make sure they get the treatment and care they need,” says Elizabeth George, D.O., a board-certified psychiatrist at INTEGRIS Health Edmond Hospital. “We don’t let other illnesses in youth get progressively worse, and mental health issues should be taken as importantly as physical health.” That’s because mental health issues that go unaddressed can increase the risk of disease and poor outcomes later in life.

There’s no getting around it. “Our mental health and well-being are directly tied to physical health, and treating one without approaching the other doesn’t work,” says George. “Oklahomans deserve better. Our children deserve better. We as a community need to take mental health seriously if we want to have a brighter future where people aren’t just getting by but able to thrive.” 

A brighter future

The good news is that by many measures, Oklahoma is trending in the right direction. In Mental Health America’s annual report, the State of Mental Health in America, Oklahoma recently jumped from 45th in the nation to 23rd overall. According to MHA, Oklahoma had an increase in insurance coverage and access to care for youth, with more receiving consistent treatment for major depression.  

INTEGRIS Health is helping lead the way for Oklahomans of all ages. Early diagnosis and appropriate services for children and families can make a big difference, as can improved access to providers and programs. INTEGRIS Health offers screening, referrals and treatments, such as:

• Programs to reduce addiction and substance abuse
• Suicide prevention
• School-based mental health programs for youth
• Childcare consultation services
• Early intervention programs for children exposed to trauma 
• Individual, family and group counseling
• Inpatient acute and residential level psychiatric care
• Comprehensive outpatient care and support

INTEGRIS Health urges you to seek help for yourself or your loved ones if needed. 

• Heartline Oklahoma: Call 2-1-1 or text 8989211. 2-1-1 is a free, 24-hour phone service that provides Oklahomans with access to information about health and human services. 
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255) 
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)