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In August of 2014, I broke my arm climbing a fir tree and Robin Williams took his own life. I was eleven, a camper on the northwest coast, just beginning to gain consciousness of the world and feeling its rage. The details of his death ruptured my small, sheltered understanding of the universe. And soon after, I got an X-ray.
Robin Williams, in my mind and many others, lives on as a beloved face for the nefarious truth that depression is furtive—silent, secretive, and all too easy to miss—and like a broken bone, the more it’s neglected, the more precarious it becomes. The stigma around mental health is systemic, but the solution may begin as a personal pursuit. So, dear reader—reader who is struggling with depression, reader who has neglected their mental health, and reader who loves someone who’s hurting— consider this piece my raw attempt to help catalyze your journey toward a healthier mind and a happier life. There are countless reasons why someone may feel hesitant to seek help regarding their mental health. More intuitively, there are attitudinal barriers— there are systemic gender norms that silence men and pathologize women. There are structural and logistical barriers, worries about insurance, costs, geographical maldistribution of providers and care. There are cultural and systemic barriers, racial disparities in access and quality of care, varying stigma in certain communities, and a huge lack of cultural variation surrounding the mental health field— that is, depression does not look the same for everyone, and as many things are, the studied participants and subsequently the accepted research tends to come from a narrow demographic. The stigma surrounding mental health is a labyrinth built over millennia—one that tells us both to hide our pain and to feel ashamed for having it; denying depression only drives it deeper underground, and the numbness that follows can start to feel like relief. My intention, however, is not to reduce any of these very real, very consequential barriers, but rather to offer equally legitimate reasons to rush joyfully not solely towards treatment, but first towards tranquility. As someone who has spent a great deal of time and energy into pretending that I wasn’t crying, I feel deeply that it is my moral obligation to argue how irrational this kind of mental neglect can be, and how as a species, we have vilified a natural practice that must be redefined as one of the most beautiful parts of being human: working on your mind! In the years surrounding Robin Williams’ death, one question kept resurfacing: why do we fear caring for the mind? You may fear treatment for a plethora of reasons that I know I cannot soothe in a couple hundred words, but for many, the suggestion of medical intervention is daunting because it bypasses the crucial relationship between mind and body. While I invariably advise seeking professional help—indeed, I do not believe there exists a person who would not benefit from some form of therapy or treatment—I also believe that advice alone is futile without a shift in how we understand our own minds. Before we can heal them, we must learn to regard them not as enemies to subdue, but as companions to nurture. If a broken bone deserves a cast painted with signatures of compassion, a fractured mind deserves the same. I want to trace both the roots and the remedies of that fear, in hopes that confronting its fallacies might offer some relief. Us humans feel a tremendous amount of pressure to prove to ourselves and those around us that we are strong of mind from the beginning of our lives to the end, that our minds are impermeable to the oh so embarrassing experience of trauma and pain. Bear with me as I speak in a degree above myself, but what would be the point if our minds weren’t malleable to some sort of corruption? Are we humans or are we robots? And what could possibly be more exciting and more worth living than the consistent pursuit of a happier, healthier mind, and sequentially, a happier and healthier existence? A therapist once told me that healing and growth are unavoidably holistic. Simple enough but think about all the areas in your life that you put blood, sweat and tears into. Maybe you prioritize your physical strength, your career, your art, or your relationships. Hear me when I say that there is no area of our physical lives that won’t improve if we don’t also allow our minds to. There is also no area of our lives that are not actively suffering from a suppression of these very natural experiences. So maybe if you need a push to be vulnerable, redirect your intention. I think it’s really easy for us as humans to separate our minds from our bodies. When we’re hurting or tired, we feel like skinful vessels carrying our brains around to communicate with other brains, hoping those brains don’t pay too much attention to what’s holding us up or how we decided to dress it. We identify so deeply with our consciousness that we objectify and disassociate our physical bodies, and in turn, we feel much more comfortable nurturing them in a way our minds do not deserve. But why, if our minds are so important, so above the rest of the physical world, do we reject their care? Why has depression been given a shameful narrative while a fracture is deemed noble or a consequence of the brave? It is time that we reject the notion that we should subsist on our physical health alone, that the dentist and a balanced diet, a gym membership and Dayquil will suffice, that a hurting consciousness is impenetrable into the real world just because it shouts silently. The truth is that our minds and bodies are intrinsically connected, we cannot neglect one and hope for the other to be unaffected. But these are two sides of the same rusty coin. I will be the first to admit that there was a large sum of truth in my parents’ advice to ‘work out’ or ‘eat healthier’ as a response to some unfounded anxiety in my teenage years. When talking about taking care of our minds and our bodies, we cannot ignore bidirectional influences: poor physical health can worsen mental health, and mental health disorders can lead to worse physical health outcomes. And now, science is catching up with what intuition already knows: the mind and body move in tandem. A 2023 study found that physical illnesses like heart and metabolic disease often co-occur with depression, yet these overlaps rarely receive attention in psychiatric practice. Cardiology research echoes this link, showing that depression and heart disease not only coexist but accelerate one another’s progression. All that goes to say is screening for depression does not have to carry these intense emotional and personal connotations of defeat— it can be as routine as an x-ray. I would even aspire to feel as unashamed of crying as I do of bleeding. There are a million ways to go about caring for our minds. If I’ve inspired you in any way to exercise your stability and adaptability, the next steps might take the form of a depression screening, reaching out to a loved one, or compiling a list of mindfulness exercises that speak to you (some of my favorites include journaling, meditation, and practicing gratitude, but these can take relatively any form). The first step, however, is recognizing that the struggle is not a flaw to be forgiven, but a fact of being alive. Because why learn anything at all if we assume our minds are in their final form from the start? Why bother exercising if we believe our bodies are born strong enough? Everything we do as humans is to become a better version of ourselves, and mental health is no different; as mindful, social creatures, it must be a priority. Healing is not indulgence—it’s maintenance. So, get screened for depression, embrace your imperfections, and start strengthening your mind. The alternative is to keep pretending—vouch for lobotomies, blame it on weakness, call it anything but what it is— being human. And how beautiful is that? - Kate Albert
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This month (September) is Suicide Prevention Month. While this should always be a priority concern, this month focuses on raising awareness of this important issue. This month provides an opportunity to change public perception, share information, and instill hope. The goal is to make sure that individuals, family and friends have access to the resources needed to address suicide prevention and to get the help needed.
Since the focus of this month is awareness, what exactly can be done to increase awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. It is common knowledge that suicide is a serious problem in our society. The data and statistics related to suicide support this. But how can we look past the statistics and numbers and focus on the individuals, families, and friends who experience the impact of suicide, and what can be done to increase the awareness of this. Awareness Addressing suicide is not just about raising awareness of the problem, but also about raising awareness of the issues that contribute to suicide. Suicide prevention involves changing the mindset by.
Changing the narrative involves a shift the culture of silence and stigma to one of understanding, openness, and support. This starts with communication. Communication # Start the Conversation involves ideas, key messages, resources, social media posts, webinars and other opportunities to learn and talk about suicide prevention. Suicide prevention focuses on having conversations. Having conversations with ourselves, with. loved ones, with community, and about mental health support resources.
Suicide Prevention Month gives opportunities to change perceptions and give hope. It is also a time to remember the lives lost and think about the millions of others who have struggled with suicidal thoughts. In doing this, we can reflect on how we can make a difference. Remember, just asking someone ‘Are You OK’ can make a difference! Peggy Fossen DNP, RN, CNE References #BeThe1To. (2023, September 15). https://www.bethe1to.com/ 988 lifeline. 988 Lifeline. (n.d.). https://988lifeline.org/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.-c). Suicide data and statistics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html Fuller, K. (2020, June 18). Compassion, tough conversations and suicide prevention. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/202006/compassion-tough-conversations-and-suicide-prevention National Suicide Prevention Month. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024, September 3). https://afsp.org/national-suicide-prevention-month/ Suicide prevention awareness month. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - MN Dept. of Health. (n.d.). https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/suicide/basics/awarenessmonth.html Suicide prevention month. NAMI. (2024, August 30). https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-month/ World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide Call Back Service. (2023, August 31). https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/worried-about-someone/how-to-raise-awareness-world-suicide-prevention-day/ Mental health is important for everyone, and it is evident that mental health disorders impact all of us regardless of our gender.
Recent statistics indicated that the prevalence of mental illness in men, in the United States, was 19.7%. When comparing this to women, which was at 26.4%, the difference is significantly noticeable. While this may seem a favorable statistic for men, the reasons for these statistics give a different story. Why are Men different? While males and females suffer from the same mental health disorders, their experiences can be very different. In fact, there are some very significant differences. Men tend to demonstrate mental health issues differently. Such as, some signs of mental health issues that are more prevalent in men include.
Gender stereotyping: This is a preconception related to the characteristics and roles that should be possessed by or performed by a woman or man. This can be harmful as it limits a person’s ability to develop their personal abilities and make choices in their life. Gender stereotypes can also affect how mental health disorders are experienced, perceived and treated. Especially in men. Gender differences: There are some differences in mental health specific to gender. Females tend to experience depression and anxiety more frequently than males, while males experience more substance abuse disorders and antisocial disorders than females. Gender bias: This refers to beliefs and practices that favors one gender over another. How men are treated for their mental health issues can be impacted by this. Many healthcare providers miss or misdiagnosis men’s mental health problems due to their own gender bias. Some providers may have the belief that men should not show weakness or just ‘man up’. Along with the challenges related to gender, there are other trends contributing to the challenges men face when dealing with mental health concerns. Men and Trends It is a known fact that mental illness is often overlooked in men. In addition, mental health disorders often go untreated as men are less likely to seek treatment. This is reinforced by the trends related to men and mental health issues.
Stigma Stigma has been associated with men and their expectations to suppress their emotions and be strong and stoic. This stigma can cause feelings of shame and weakness resulting in a reluctance to seek help or treatment. Research supports the link of seeking treatment for a mental illness to fear of being perceived as weak. The experience of stigma can manifest differently in men. Some commonly seen issues for men related to stigma are.
It is necessary to have conversations about men and mental health, if not men will continue to feel isolated and alone with their struggles with mental health. There does seem to be a growing awareness and willingness to address this concern. More celebrities are willing to share their stories and struggles. Prince Harry, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Brad Pitt, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Michael Phelps are some of those that have come forward and publicly shared their stories. By doing this they are normalizing difficult discussions on mental health and letting other men know that their mental health matters. Along with increasing awareness that men struggle with mental health, the importance of resources for men with mental health issues has been recognized. Men do want support from family and friends, but the perception that this may make them seem weak could prevent them from seeking it. Therefore, resources specific to only men are extremely beneficial. These sources can provide many tools and resources addressing men and mental health. Some of these sites include. https://headsupguys.org/ https://mantherapy.org/ https://www.mhanational.org/infographic-mental-health-men June is Men’s Health Month and special consideration and focus is given to men by sharing education and awareness about men’s health issues. One article referred to mental health disorders in men as the ‘Silent Killer’. We all need to recognize the severity of this and seek out ways to help change the stigma related to men and mental health. Becoming educated on the issue, increasing awareness, knowing what resources are available, and most importantly starting conversations. Men want to talk about their mental health, they just might be waiting for someone to ask. Ask. Peggy Fossen DNP, RN, CNE References Andaloro, A. (2022, April 19). 20 male celebrities speaking out about mental health and encouraging others to do the same. BuzzFeed. https://www.buzzfeed.com/angelaandaloro/20-male-celebrities-who-have-opened-up-about-their-mental Chatmon, B. N. (2020). Males and mental health stigma. American journal of men’s health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7444121/ Eric Tirrell, B. (n.d.). Breaking the stigma of men’s mental health. Butler Hospital. https://www.butler.org/blog/breaking-the-stigma-of-mens-mental-health Eshleman, W. (2020, December 14). Mental illness in men. Best Day Psychiatry & Counseling. https://bestdaypsych.com/mental-illness-in-men/ GoodRx. (n.d.). Mental health support and resources for men. GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/mental-health/mental-health-resources-men Griffith, D. M., By, Griffith, D. M., Ogunbiyi, A., Jaeger, E., & 2, A. (2024, April 2). Men and Mental Health: What are we missing?. AAMC. https://www.aamc.org/news/men-and-mental-health-what-are-we-missing How do gender stereotypes affect mental health? (n.d.). https://michaelshouse.com/blog/how-do-gender-stereotypes-affect-mental-health/ Men’s Health Month: Celebrated every june. Mens Health Month. (n.d.). https://menshealthmonth.org/ The gender gap in Mental Health. News. (2022, January 31). https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Gender-Gap-in-Mental-Health.aspx#:~:text=Differences%20in%20mental%20health%20between%20the%20genders&text=Women%20have%20a%20significantly%20higher,use%20disorders%20and%20antisocial%20behaviors Vankar, P. (2024, February 12). Mental illness in past year male vs female U.S. 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/252311/mental-illness-in-the-past-year-among-us-adults-by-age-and-gender/#:~:text=As%20of%202022%2C%20some%2026.4,anxiety%20disorders%2C%20and%20mood%20disorders Mental Health Awareness
This month is dedicated to mental health awareness. What exactly does this mean and what makes this month any different from any other? Since 1949 Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized every May. The goal has remained the same through the years: “to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in American’s lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.” Mental health is the focus for this month, and the importance it plays in everyone’s overall health and wellness is highlighted. There is no doubt that perceptions and awareness of mental health and mental illness have advanced since 1949, and there is an increase in understanding and acceptance for those experiencing challenges with mental health. However, there remains one barrier that is difficult to break down. Stigma. Breaking Down Stigma Mental Health Awareness Month uses their platform to address stigma by raising awareness, and providing education on how mental illness affects us all. Stigma has been around much longer than 1949 and has been a barrier for those with mental illness for a long time. It has become a significant barrier in seeking and receiving treatment for mental health concerns. While we are all familiar with the term ‘stigma’ and the negative impact it has; what exactly is stigma, and where did it originate from? Perhaps understanding this concept on a deeper level will assist in helping people to understand their own feelings related to stigma. (For an in-depth description of stigma, refer to the January blog post. This goes into the details and definitions). While the history of mental illness and stigma is sometimes difficult to understand or talk about, it is important to have some knowledge and understanding of what happened. Roots of Stigma The history of stigma is as long as the history of mental health, the misunderstanding, bias, and misperceptions have evolved across the millennia. It is no secret that the history of mental illness and related treatments is not always a pleasant one, and at times shocking. Ancient theories about mental health were founded on beliefs of supernatural causes, demonic possession, curses, and sorcery. Treatments were based on religion and superstition and included prayer, exorcisms, incantations, and other forms of spirituality. The care for those with mental health issues was seen as a burden and was even seen as a defect. Those abandoned by families were housed in workhouses, asylums, and at times faced a lifetime of imprisonment. Stigma arose from the feelings of shame and humiliation felt by families of those with mental illnesses. Those with mental health disorders were also ostracized from society and families. Fear now went hand in hand with stigma. People fear what they do not understand, and stigma comes from lack of understanding or fear. Hope While stigma today is significantly less than earlier times, it does still exist. It is estimated that millions go untreated because of these stigmas. Perhaps we need another Dorthea Dix. Dorthea Dix was an amazing woman who challenged the idea that those with mental illnesses could not be helped or cured. She fought against the negative practices and treatments of the mentally ill and was key in the social reform of care for the mentally ill. Her main interest was improving the life of those with mental illness. By doing this she was also playing her part in decreasing stigma. So, to answer the question: what makes this month any different from any other? It gives everyone the opportunity to learn, help others learn, listen to others, and try to gain a better understanding of the journey we are all going through with our mental health. Stigma is rooted in the lack of knowledge. This month is a chance to change that! Change begins with each one of us, making a commitment to do better and be better. - Dorothea Dix Peggy Fossen DNP, RN, CNE References Duverge, G. (2023, June 16). Breaking america’s mental health stigma. Touro University Worldwide. https://www.tuw.edu/psychology/breaking-americas-mental-health-stigma/ Mental Health & Stigma. Burn Away Your Burdens. (n.d.-a). https://www.bayburdens.org/blog/mental-health-stigma Mental Health Awareness Month. SAMHSA. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month Parry MS. Dorothea Dix (1802–1887). Am J Public Health. 2006 Apr;96(4):624–5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.079152. PMCID: PMC1470530. Additional Links https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/dorothea-dixs-tireless-fight-to-end-inhumane-treatment-for-mental-health-patients Alcohol Use Among Us
In 2022 84.1% Americans reported that they had used alcohol at some point in their lives. Alcohol use is part of life in our society. Many drink to socialize and during social activities. Alcohol can be part of cultural and religious ceremonies and practices. Alcohol is a personal preference, some individuals choose not to drink, and not all alcohol use is problematic. However, research has revealed that any amount of alcohol consumed can be risky. While the risk is low, it becomes greater as the consumption increases. So, when does the use of alcohol become an issue? Alcohol use and Alcohol use disorder impacted approximately 29.5 million people in the United States in 2022, and an estimated 178,00 individuals lose their lives to this condition yearly. Alcohol Awareness To increase our awareness and knowledge related to alcohol use, it is important to understand some of the terminology. Alcohol use varies in individuals based on how long it has been used and how much is being used. Some terminology related to this includes.
Binge drinking: This is considered to be a very serious problem and is the most common form of excessive alcohol use. It is described as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks for men, and four or more alcoholic drinks for women on one occasion. Binge drinking is not considered alcohol dependence; however, it can be harmful. It is linked to disease, injuries and can lead to alcohol use disorder. It is estimated that one in six adult Americans binge drink weekly. Excessive drinking: Includes binge drinking, heavy drinking, and any drinking by people under the age of 21 or pregnant women. Alcohol intoxication and Alcohol poisoning: Alcohol intoxication can happen very fast in a short amount of time, and varies based on sex, weight, health status, percentage of alcohol in drink, combining alcohol and medications/drugs, the rate and amount of alcohol consumption, and level of alcohol tolerance. There are seven stages to alcohol intoxication.
Alcohol use disorder: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is also referred to as alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol addiction, or alcohol dependence, and is a common medical condition. It is defined as the impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use. AUD is classified as a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe. There are risk factors associated with AUD that includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use. Other factors include.
Alcohol use can be the root of many problems related to relationships, family, employment, and finances. But, perhaps most concerning is the impact it has on the mind and body. While alcohol can make us feel better, help with our stress, and help us to relax, it is important to remember this is only a temporary coping mechanism. As the alcohol leaves our system, we often feel worse. These feelings are a result of how the alcohol withdrawal is affecting our brain and body. Alcohol is a depressant and can disrupt the functioning of the neurotransmitters in the brain. This can affect feelings, behavior, and thinking. While you may feel relaxed and less anxious while drinking, once the alcohol wears off the chemical changes in your brain can result in anger, anxiety, or depression. Currently, research links the use of alcohol to an increase in mental health issues, and regular heavy drinking has been linked to depression. If used long-term alcohol can decrease the number of neurotransmitters in our brain which are needed to defend against anxiety and depression. The effects alcohol has on the body is concerning. Short-term effects include sleep problems, stomach distress, migraines, and reckless behavior. The effects from long -term alcohol use include serious health and social conditions including.
As the number of those suffering from the effects of alcohol and alcohol use disorder grows, so do efforts to increase awareness about the condition. This month is National Alcohol Awareness Month, with a focus on increasing awareness about alcohol abuse and dependency before it becomes fatal. We are all encouraged to increase our awareness about the causes of alcoholism, the risks of alcohol, and to discuss this serious disease openly. All those who are experiencing the negative effects of alcohol should know they are not alone. There is a plethora of resources and sites providing help and support. The following provide information and resources related to alcohol use. https://ncadd.us/ (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/niaaa-middle-school/helpful-resources (National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002199.htm (Medline Plus). Burn Away Your Burdens also provides helpful resources related to mental health and alcohol use. Check out their link at: https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/treatment/. Even if you do not struggle with alcohol use, or alcohol abuse, it is important to have this knowledge in order to make smart decisions for yourself and maybe help others to do the same. Peggy Fossen, DNP, RN, CNE References Alcohol and Mental Health. Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health#:~:text=Alcohol%20affects%20the%20part%20of,anxiety%2C%20regardless%20of%20your%20mood Alcohol poisoning. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16640-alcohol-poisoning Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024a, February 29). Binge drinking.. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024b, February 29). Drinking too much alcohol can harm your health. learn the facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 29). Deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/features/excessive-alcohol-deaths.html Cirino, E. (2018, June 29). Alcohol intoxication: Acute, symptoms, treatments, signs, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/alcohol-intoxication Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, January 20). Alcohol in moderation: How many drinks is that?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/alcohol/art-20044551 National Alcohol Awareness Month. National Today. (2021, August 4). https://nationaltoday.com/national-alcohol-awareness-month/ Symptoms and signs of alcohol addiction: Am I addicted to alcohol?. American Addiction Centers. (2024a, March 8). https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/signs-symptoms U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Alcohol use in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-a). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-c). Understanding alcohol use disorder. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder |
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