Nearly two-thirds of people with a diagnosable behavioral health disorder do not get the treatment they need. Reasons for this include the stigma related to getting help, the cost of treatment, the lack of local access to care, and the fragmentation of the service delivery system. This means that people continue to suffer unnecessarily because research continues to demonstrate that treatment works in helping people restore their mental health. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Over the course of our lives, if we experience mental health problems, our thinking, mood, and behavior can be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

  • Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems

Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services suggests that treatment for a behavioral health disorder may be needed if one or more of the following warning signs is present:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Thinking of harming yourself or others
  • Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

If you believe you or someone you care about is in need of treatment for a behavioral health disorder, now is the time to act. Click here to get started today!

Original source – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services