By: Dr. Azizeh Salloum and Salita DeMary
In today’s on-the go- society with technological advances contributing to instant gratification, comparison to others via social media, and constant access to work in conjunction with economic and political unrest, many may feel their mental health is being impacted. Mentally and physically, your body can send signals that your mental health may be suffering.
Taking the time to check-in on yourself
mentally is a must
Here are a few signs you may need to keep an eye on your mental well-being:
- “Burn out”: Defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as exhaustion of physical or emotional strength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration, burn-out is a depletion of physical, psychological, and emotional energy.
- Chronic fatigue: Are you sleeping 8 or more hours and still feeling drained physically? The feeling of never having enough rest may signal you are suffering from chronic fatigue as a result of strain on your mental health.
- Extreme mood swings
- Withdrawing from friends, family and loved ones
- No longer taking interest in previously loved hobbies and activities
- Trouble concentrating and/or brain fog
- Changes in personal hygiene, cleanliness, and upkeep of your appearance and/or living space.
- Trouble sleeping
- Isolation
- Suicidal thoughts
The healthcare community has been focused on combating the stigma surrounding metal health care, according to psychiatry.org, researchers have identified three different types of stigmas regarding mental healthcare:
Public stigma – Negative and/or discriminatory attitudes held by the general public regarding mental illness.
Self-stigma – Internal negative attitudes regarding mental health issues
Structural stigma – Intentional or unintentional government and/or private organizational divestment that leads to limited opportunities for those that are suffering with mental health issues.
Culturally, many communities of color may face their own stigmas and accessibility issues surrounding metal health care. With multiple communities of color lacking mental health facilities or culturally competent care, many may choose to bypass professional help.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1,112,000 New Jersey adults suffering with mental illness which is 3 times the population of Newark. In 2021, 309,000 New Jersey adults did not receive the mental health care they needed and 28.5% of those adults did not pursue their needed mental health care due to cost. CompleteCare Health network’s team of mental health professionals are leading the charge when it comes to accessible community mental health care. With 19 sites offering substance abuse and mental health treatment, convenient mental health care is at the forefront of CompleteCare’s organizational objectives. With insured, uninsured, Medicare, and Medicaid patients accepted, CompleteCare also aims to keep affordability at the forefront of their mental health services.
“Taking the time to check-in on yourself mentally is a must,” said Dr. Azizeh Salloum, CompleteCares’ Chief Medical Officer. “Mental illness can manifest physically if not properly maintained. It is an extension of your overall well-being.” If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact 911 or the suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988. For more information on CompleteCare Health Network’s mental health services, please visit www.completecarenj.org or call (856) 451-7000 to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional.