Anxious and Depressed Minds Encouraged to Seek Help

When we are hungry, we go to the store. We get a snotty nose, then we go to the doctor. But what should someone do if they feel depressed or anxious?

Rachel Hash, a Case Management Supervisor at Mental Health Cooperative, said people should seek professional help if they feel they are dealing with a mental illness.

“I would say they really need to go seek a licensed mental health professional, a clinician, a psychiatrist, someone who could really help them identify that,” Hash said. “Not necessarily a friend or themselves. I really think reaching out to professionals who know what they are doing are the ones who can help you the most.”

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness at some point in a given year.

Hash said listening can help reduce the number of suicides in Tennessee.

“Pay attention to the warning signs and pay attention to those comments that people make,” Hash said. “Listen to people. Often I think that goes unnoticed and people often get overlooked by some of the things they say when it’s really a cry for help.”

People should take mental health seriously,  Hash said.

“Mental health is something that definitely needs to be taken seriously and I think often it does go overlooked,” Hash said. “And I am glad there are others that are trying to help others take it seriously.”

Even though mental health is discussed more, Hash said she still sees people judging those with mental illnesses.

“You know I see a lot of people who judge others when taking medication for, for example, like depression or anxiety,” Hash said. “And you know some people just say,  ‘You need to do something different with your lifestyle. You don’t need medication.’ When they really don’t understand the biological component of what it is.”

Hash said people should discuss bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia more often.

“Also ADHD. I know often people think it’s just hyperactivity,” Hash said. “There is kind of a lot more to it when it comes to how it affects children and even adults. And schizophrenia is something that is overlooked and not really discussed.”

If you or someone you know may be dealing will a mental illness, you can contact a licensed professional. If you are thinking about suicide, contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.