Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Each May, we raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health illnesses. Mental health impacts the well-being of all Americans, including adults, children, families, and communities.
Below you will find common signs of mental illness and resources for those who are silently fighting.
Common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents can include:
Excessive worrying or fear.
Feeling excessively sad or low.
Confused thinking or problems concentrating.
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria or "lows" or feelings of hopelessness and loneliness.
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger.
Avoiding friends and social activities.
Difficulties understanding or relating to other people.
Statistics:
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14.
How to support someone with their mental health:
Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs at that moment.
Ask them what you can do to help them through their thoughts and feelings.
Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
Avoid confrontation.
Ask if there is someone they trust that they would like you to contact.
Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help.
If they have hurt themselves, make sure they receive the first aid they need.
Most importantly, let them know they are not alone, and you are there to support them.
If you or someone you care for are struggling with mental health, help, support, and resources are available to you. Check out the resources below.
Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board (HNNCSB): 757-788-0011
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or chat 988
The Center is committed to creating a world that is free from sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. All of our services are FREE & Confidential to all. We provide free resources to survivors of sexual violence. These resources consisted of 1-on-1 crisis counseling, groups counseling (for men and women), court and hospital accompaniments, advocacy, and 24/7 crisis hotline. By empowering, advocating, and educating our communities we can have a world free of domestic and sexual violence.
If you or someone you care for is a survivor of sexual assault, we are here for you. If you would like additional resources for healing from sexual assault please reach out to us at our 24 hour crisis hotline: 757-260-5260.
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