COMMUNITY HEALTH CORNER
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. In the U.S., one in five adults experience a mental health issue, and one in 25 live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. Anyone can experience a mental health problem, even young children. Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign: • 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 • Thinking of harming yourself or others It’s important to know that mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak, and many people need help to get better. Several factors contribute to mental health problems, including: • Biological factors, such as genetics, physical illness, injury or brain chemistry • Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse • A family history of mental health problems Studies show that people with mental health problems can get better and recover to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. If you or someone you know needs help, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley’s Mental Health Services offers evaluation and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric disorders through inpatient, partial hospitalization or psychiatric emergency services. To learn about these programs, visit hahv.org or call 845-338-2500. In case of an emergency, visit the HealthAlliance Hospital: Broadway Campus Psychiatric Emergency Department. For more information, call 845-331-3131 or visit hahv.org.