Lucky number 13 is all about Mental Health! The Ebonistas are all about self-care and are here with the facts and, of course, plenty of laughter to help guide you to your best life.
Signs of Mental Health Distress
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.
Resources for you and your loved ones
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): This group works to prevent individuals suffering from depression from hurting themselves. Its website lists local chapters and support groups for suicidal individuals and those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
- Freedom From Fear: This organization’s website contains self-screening tests for anxiety and depression and provides free professional counseling to individuals who take the test. Its website also lists support groups in each state and allows users to search for physicians in their area.
- Postpartum Support International: This group helps mothers suffering from postpartum depression locate medical professionals in their area for treatment. It also offers counseling to family members.
- MoodGYM: This website teaches cognitive behavioral therapy skills to individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
- E-Couch: This website contains diagnostic modules that allow users to determine if they should seek medical help. It also explains and teaches cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques and relaxation methods.
- Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA): This organization focuses on educating medical professionals, individuals suffering from anxiety or depression and their family members about the symptoms and treatment options for the illnesses. Its website explains the different manifestations of the illnesses in children, adults and the elderly, describes the most commonly used therapeutic techniques and allows users to find a local therapist.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): This group aims to increase awareness about mental illnesses and improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from them. It defines and describes depression and anxiety and discusses the types and components of medications used to treat different illnesses on its website.
- Beacon Tree Foundation: This group gives parents of children with mental illnesses funding to pay for therapy, special schooling or prescription drugs.
Sources: Big Mouth, KevinPleasants.com, counseling.kzoo.edu, My Name is Dave, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend