World Mental Health Day
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World Mental Health Day is October 10th. The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute wants you to know how you can take care of yourself and your family and friends.
Talking about Mental Health is not taboo. Mental health is a vital part being whole. Making your mental health a priority is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
In observance of World Mental Health Day, here are some tips and resources.
World Mental Health Day
Suicide Prevention Help In Jacksonville FL
The JOI Foundation is very active in the Jacksonville Community. One of the four programs that the JOI Foundation supports is The Patrick Heinold Foundation. The Patrick Heinold Foundation was established to raise awareness and give resources to help promote mental health care and suicide prevention. They encourage the acronym P.A.T.
Pause
Notice those around you and observe any changes in mood or behavior. Check in on friends, teammates, classmates, and family. Everyone processes life events differently.
Ask
If you notice that someone has become quiet, distant, sad or withdrawn, ask them how they are doing. Listen to what they have to say. If they talk about feeling hopeless or hurting themselves, take action.
Talk
Tell you friends and classmates that you care about them and encourage them to talk to a teacher or coach, counselor or parent. There are resources to help them process what they are feeling.
The foundation actively promotes the education of teachers, ATC’s, staff and children in our school systems. One way is the support of Mental Health First Aid programs. The goal of this program is to make mental health first aid as common as CPR and First Aid.
Understanding Mental Health
Prevention of Suicide starts with understanding Mental Health. According to the World Health Organization, Half of mental illnesses begin by the age of 14. Parents and teachers can help by identifying issues early.
Parents and teachers can help children develop coping skills for life’s stressors.
Mental Health Issues with Young People
The W.H.O. also states that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of people from age 15-29. Other risks for young people with mental health issues include:
- Illicit Drug Use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Unsafe sex practices
- Reckless driving
However, some children with mental health issues show no external signs or risky behaviors at all. That is why it is so important that the lines of communication remain open between children, parents, teachers and peers. If mental health awareness can save JUST 1 life of a child in need, it certainly is worth it!
Social Media And Mental Health
Social Media Apps
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led many people, especially young people, to use social media platforms as their largest form of social interaction. This can lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Social media exposure is also linked to higher levels of negative body image and sleep disorders.
Facebook/Instagram has done their own internal studies on this issue. A Wall Street Journal Article explained that 1 out of 3 teen girls have a lower body self image because of Instagram. There were also increased rates of suicidal thoughts that teens linked to Instagram.
Click to read the Full WSJ on Facebook/Instagram Internal Studies on Mental Health.
Help!
During this World Mental Health Day, it is important to improve awareness to all mental health issues. We must continue to break down the stigma attached to these issues. We encourage everyone to sign up and take a Mental Health First Aid Course. The course is free!
Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-8255
If you or someone you know needs help, call now.
You can also go to HELP.