World Mental Health Day! 10.10.22

Happy World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day is October 10th and is intended to “raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health” (World Health Organization).

Some mental health statistics from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) include:

1. 1 in 5 adults experience Any Mental Illness (AMI) each year.

   1. The prevalence of AMI was higher among females (25.8%) than males (15.8%).

2. 1 in 20 adults experience Serious Mental Illness (SMI) each year.

   1. The prevalence of SMI was higher among females (7.0%) than males (4.2%).

3. 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

4. 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14 and 75% begins by age 24.

5. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–14.

Strategies to manage your mental health:

1. Spend time in nature. Research has found that getting a minimum of 2 hours per week has significant benefits to your mental health and physical health too!

2. Yoga. Doing yoga 2–5 times per week for 30–60 minutes has been found to improve stress management, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, improve self-esteem, and decrease burnout, in addition to having numerous physical health benefits!

3. Journaling. Research shows benefits occur when journaling 15 minutes per day 3–5 days per week. You can write about anything or just jot down free-flowing thoughts.

4. Gratitude. Practice gratitude, especially by writing down what you are grateful for, 1–3 times per week. This can also be done through a thank you letter/note/text to someone.

5. Visualization. Imagining your “calm place” can help manage stress. Read about how to go on a “mental vacation” here.

6. Bilateral stimulation. Anything that alternates or crosses the midline (center) of the body using a right-left-right-left motion or pattern is bilateral stimulation. This can include walking, running, tapping on your legs, folding your arms and tapping or squeezing your arms, coloring, or listening to music with headphones.

7. Manage your physical health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, and keep a good sleep routine and schedule.

If those strategies aren’t enough, here are some additional resources:

• Start counseling with RISE to receive individualized support by filling out our New Client Information form here.

• Call 988 for Mental Health Emergencies. You can also text 988 or chat online here.