This is the month of MAY 2017

 ~ Mental Health Awareness Month ~

Greetings everyone ~ Now that we have entered into the month of May, we should all be aware that this is Mental Health Awareness Month.  This is a good time to take notice of your mental health and the mental health of those in your family, those you may work with, and those who are around you.  Now is a good time to become involved in discussions about mental health.  You never know who may be around you that is crying out for help silently.

Do you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself or others? . . .

1.  Changes in energy levels or sleep patterns?

2.  Frequent thoughts of death or suicide?

3.  Loss of interest or pleasure in activities?

4.  Noticeable restlessness or irritability?

5.  Difficulties with concentration or decision making?

6.  Changes in appetite, eating habits or weight?

7.  Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, worthless, or guilty?

If so, then you may want to utilize Mental Health Screening Tools.

Taking a mental health screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.

Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And, remember recovery is possible.

There are guidelines for use of the Mental Health Screening Tool, and if you are unsure of which Screen to take, you can follow the guidelines to determine which Screening Tool would work best for you . . .

DEPRESSION ~ is for individuals who are feeling overwhelming sadness.

ANXIETY ~ will help if you feel that worry and fear affect your day to day life.

Bipolar ~ is for individuals who have mood swings - or unusual or extreme shifts in mood and energy.

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) ~ is for those who are bothered by a traumatic life event.

Alcohol or Substance Use ~ will help determine if your use of alcohol or drugs is an area to address.

Psychosis ~ is for young people (age 12-35) who feel like their brain is playing tricks on them (seeing, hearing or believing things that don't seem real or quite right)

Eating Disorder ~ can help explore eating related concerns that have an impact on your physical health and overall well-being.

There are also the following areas that can be explored . . .

The Youth Screen ~ is for young people (age 11-17) who are concerned that their emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.

The Parent Screen ~ is for parents of young people to determine if their child’s emotions, attention, or behaviors might be signs of a problem.

Work Health Survey ~ is a screen to explore how healthy or unhealthy your work environment is.  (NOTE:  This Screen is in testing phase and every screen taken helps Mental Health American "MHA" to better understand mental health in the workplace).

You can visit the Mental Health America Website to find out how to take a Screen.

If you have any comments, thoughts, questions, suggestions, or would like to leave further information about Mental Health, feel free to leave your comments here on the Blog.

As always, I'm looking forward to having you back here in our next Blog Session for further topics of discussion and more about mental health.  In the meantime, be kind to one another.

Peace, Love & Light,

 René

©Copyright - René Allen - MAY 2017 - All Rights Reserved