Mental Health

Your mental health is your ability to realize your full potential, cope with stress, and be a productive member of your community. It is a critical component of your overall health and wellness.

Good mental health doesn’t necessarily mean feeling happy or “up” all the time, but that you experience a range of thoughts and emotions and are able to cope with negativity as well as positivity in your life.

Poor mental health manifests in a variety of conditions. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in America today. Anxiety causes intense and disruptive fears and worries about future events, everyday responsibilities, and specific situations or objects.

Depression is another common mental health condition. While everyone feels sad from time to time, depression causes intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness that last for extended periods of time.

Other signs of mental health issues include:

• Changes in sleep habits
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Increased use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs
• Irritability
• Persistent intrusive thoughts
• Poor concentration and indecisiveness

Another indicator of poor mental health is thoughts of self-harm or suicide. If you are considering hurting yourself, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room for immediate help.

If you are concerned about your mental health, ask for help. Working with the compassionate team at BridgeSpan Medicine can help you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.

The adolescent and young adult years are highly transitional, and our team is experienced in helping adolescents manage academic, social, and family stress. They are highly sensitive to these issues and can make referrals to mental health providers, if necessary.

Talking about your feelings can help you to resolve your emotions and memories, and recognize how they affect your behaviors. Once you understand what is motivating your behavior, you can take steps to make healthier and safer choices.

In addition to seeking counseling, you can improve your mental health by practicing self-care. This includes eating well and getting regular exercise. You should avoid tobacco products and drugs.

It is also important to maintain your relationships with friends and family, as having strong social support contributes to a sense of well-being. Additionally, you can practice a hobby that you feel good at and boosts your self-esteem.