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. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

 

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse

Family history of mental health problems


Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.


 

Early Warning Signs

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

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

Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head

Hearing voices or believing things that are not true

Thinking of harming yourself or others

Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

 
 
 
If you are having any of the above early warning signs, please contact the Bermuda Health Foundation 236-3770, or visit CLICK HERE for their extensive list of resources.

 

 

 

“30 Days to a Healthier You” is presented by Colonial Medical Insurance. Revitalise you life with Wellness from Colonial! With Premier Health from Colonial, you will enjoy all the benefits of their Wellness Program which includes online tools and community support to assist in developing healthier behaviours. Haven’t signed up yet? To do so, or for more information, visit www.cgigroup.com or call (441) 296-3200.
 
Article originally appeared on www.mentalhealth.org