The stigma of mental illness and addiction can often cause people to avoid seeking help for themselves or their loved ones. Mental illness impacts millions of people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults will encounter some form of mental illness in their lifetime, and one in 20 will have a disability as a result of mental illness.
At the national level, there is an effort to create a “National Dialogue on Mental Health.”
This effort plans to address social barriers to mental health access, work to remove the stigma of mental health services, and educate people on how to access mental health services. The White House is asking various education and health organizations to help foster this dialogue.
Here in Indianapolis, Wishard-Eskenazi Health has integrated mental health into a network of primary care sites located across the city. As a physician, I know the importance that mental health plays in one’s physical health, and it is important that it is part of our daily health check.
The move to a community-based care model limits barriers when it comes to mental health. Some of these barriers for patients include transportation, schedules and ultimately the stigma of accessing mental health care. This model allows patients to receive mental health care services at the same time that they receive primary care services.
One might ask, what is mental illness? Mental illness can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individualized treatment plan.
Some mental health disorders are mild, and others are more disabling and require intensive management and care. Mental illness includes conditions such as addiction, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorder, panic attack, post-traumatic stress and schizophrenia. The majority of people suffering from mental disorders can effectively return to normal, productive lives if they receive appropriate treatment — treatment that is readily available.
Some simple advice to keep your mind healthy includes:
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. A nutritious, well-balanced diet and exercise can keep your body fit and able to resist disease, and exercise is an excellent way to elevate your mood.
• Talk about your stressful situations with someone you trust. Sometimes, just talking about your problems and concerns can help you put them into perspective and give you insight into ways to deal with them.
• Stay organized to help manage your time more efficiently.
• Remember, no one can do it all alone, so ask for help.
• Use relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body.
• Get professional help if you need it.
Eskenazi Health Midtown Community Mental Health offers an array of mental health services, including severe mental illness and substance abuse treatment, 24-hour emergency services, a detoxification unit, full continuum for chronically addicted patients, specialized home- and community-based programs for seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents, and a partial-hospitalization program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, the Midtown Community Mental Health Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 at 317-630-8485.
Nydia Estrada-Nunez, M.D.
Family Medicine
Wishard-Eskenazi Health