More Than Moodiness?

Everyone feels moody or occasionally has “a case of the Mondays,” but when disruptions in thought or behavior cause someone to lose his or her ability to cope with normal functions and routines, they may be dealing with a much more serious problem than mere moodiness.

Sound Mind, Sound Body

Mental health is just as important to a person’s overall health as his or her physical condition, and mental illnesses must be cared for as diligently as any physical illness.

There are more than 200 identified forms of mental illness, the most common of which are depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, and anxiety disorders. Mental illnesses often manifest physically as well as emotionally and psychologically and can be caused by excessive stress, genetics, and/or biochemical imbalances.

Warning Signs

• Long periods of sadness or irritability
• Feelings of extreme anger
• Extreme emotional highs and lows
• Excessive feelings of fear and anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Several unexplainable physical complaints
• Substance abuse
• Denial of pronounced issues
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts or actions

What Can You Do?

Most people with mental illnesses do not know how to get help and often go without the services they need. If you suspect a loved one may have a mental health condition, there are several resources available to you that can offer counseling and mental health referrals.

Emergency medical services

Always call 911 for emergency assistance if you believe the situation may be life-threatening.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Call 1-800-789-2647

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Call 1-800-950-6264
www.nami.org
NAMI also offers discussion groups and education and support programs for caregivers and family members suffering from a mental disorder.

Don’t Hesitate

Do not hesitate to get help for someone you believe may be suffering from a mental health condition. Given proper treatment, many people are able to cope with or even recover from a mental illness. A medical or mental health professional can help both you and the person suffering from a mental health condition, and could even help save a life.

Local Resources

See our blog post about suicide and mental health resources available in the Fredericksburg community.

Learn about Snowden at Fredericksburg, the leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services in the Fredericksburg region.