May is Mental Health Month

By Kyle Fitzpatrick

San Diego State University

When we think of mental illness we often develop a certain set of mental pictures. Maybe we think of a person with severe schizophrenia who talks to themselves or “hears voices,” or someone with bipolar disorder who is happy one moment but quickly becomes extremely irritated. While these scenarios certainly do exist, they also serve to perpetuate the negative stereotypes and social stigma associated with mental illness. We think of mental disorders as something rare that “happens” to someone else, not us. However, mental illness is much more prevalent than we think. There are over 200 classified forms of mental illness, and many disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are fairly common and affect “normal” people like you and I.[1] Common symptoms of mental illness are often mild and easily attributable to “feeling down” or being “stuck in a rut.” While many of these symptoms seem rather insignificant, they do represent potential signs of mental illness and should be addressed. Early warning signs include:

·       Changes in mood or personality

·       Social withdrawal

·       Loss of interest in hobbies or favorite activities

·       Feelings of extreme highs and lows

·       Changes in eating or sleeping habits

·       Excessive fears, worries and anxieties

·       Confused thoughts

·       Delusions or hallucinations

Recent estimates from the Center for Disease Control and prevention suggest that as many as 9% of Californians are currently suffering from diagnosable levels of depression, and that nationwide approximately 25% of adults are living with mental illness.[2] The National Institute of Mental Health adds that approximately 6 million men have depression each year.[3] These rates are alarmingly high, and when we consider the tens of millions of husbands, wives, and children affected by the mental illness of a loved one we see just how pervasive mental health issues are in our society. In San Diego alone as many as one in four adults and one in five children are affected by mental illness.[4]

Someone you know; a neighbor, coworker, friend or family member may be living with mental illness, and fortunately there are resources available to help. The San Diego Health and Human Service Agency’s Up2SD Campaign is a great place to start if you are feeling stuck. The purpose of the campaign is to encourage San Diegans to talk openly about mental health issues in order to reduce the social stigma and anxiety associated with mental illness. This is especially important for men, who are just as likely to be affected by mental illness as women, but are least likely to seek help. Up2SD.org provides valuable resources for men who are either experiencing symptoms of mental illness themselves, or know someone who is. They include:

·       It's Up To Us - Website for Men (http://www.toughtimessd.org/):
This website provides information and resources specifically for men who are going through tough times.

·        2-1-1 San Diego:
Phone: 2-1-1
A confidential information and referral hotline that provides resources related to mental health, alcohol and drug problems, and many other needs

·       Courage to Call:
Phone: 2-1-1
This program is a Veteran-run, peer-to-peer support program in San Diego County providing free and confidential services to active and former military members, reservists, National Guardsmen, their families and loved ones. The program connects callers with referrals to resources and support to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. These services are provided off-base in a safe and private atmosphere.

·       Your Head: An Owner’s Manual (http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/ownersmanual.pdf):
This publication, published by the Men’s Health Network, provides men of all ages, and those who love them, with realistic information about depression, anxiety, stress and mood disorders, along with practical actions that can make a difference in their lives.

·       Blue Print For Men’s Health:
This publication, published by the Men’s Health Network, discusses the main physical and emotional health issues that men face today, including factors that increase health risks, how to recognize symptoms, and practical, easy-to-implement prevention strategies.

·       Men’s Health Network:
Phone: (202) 543-6461
Men's Health Network (MHN) is a non-profit educational organization of physicians, researchers, public health workers, other health professionals and individuals committed to improving the health and wellness of men, boys, and their families. Their website provides men with a wide range of resources and publications related to their health.

·       National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
NIMH launched the Real Men, Real Depression campaign which provides men with information about signs, symptoms and treatment related to depression. Visitors can also view short videos of men who experienced and recovered from depression.

For more information visit www.up2sd.org, or if you or someone you know is in urgent need of assistance, please call the crisis hotline at 888-724-7240

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[1] Mental Health America. Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope. http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/mi-and-the-family/recognizing-warning-signs-and-how-to-cope

[2] CDC Mental Illness Surveillance. http://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealthsurveillance/fact_sheet.html

[3] National Institute of Mental Health. Depression in Men. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/men-and-depression/depression-in-men.shtml

[4] Up2SD.org. http://www.up2sd.org/about