Dear Red Hot Mamas- May 2019

By: Red Hot Mamas

Published: May 14, 2019

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As an organization, Red Hot Mamas would like to promote more of you to learn more about mental health concerns and if necessary get help for them. We recognize the importance of acknowledging how widespread mental disorders are. By doing this it might help pave the way for many of us to obtain better care.

Here are some interesting facts:

• 18% of US adults – some 40 million people- have anxiety disorders, the most prevalent mental illness
• It’s 2 to 4 times as likely that offspring of depressant parents will develop depression
• 50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Three quarters of them begin by age 24
• Depression’s rank among the most common causes of disability in the US. The condition is more prevalent in women
• 16 million US adults have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year
• 1 in 25 US adults have a serious mental illness that limits or interferes with major life activities

*(reference sources: Anxiety and Depression Assn of America; Nat’l Institute of Mental Health; World Economic Forum; Nat’l Alliance of Mental Illness)

As women, we tend to help others first and take care of ourselves last. However, getting proper care can make an invaluable impact if you are struggling with a mental health condition. It may be a good idea to apply the same concept that flight attendants tell you to do which is to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

So some red hot things you that might consider doing which could help you if you are dealing with a mental health issue are:

• Reach out to family members or friends and talk about what you are feeling with them
• Find a mental healthcare professional that has the skills to help you. Interview this person to make sure he/she is qualified and is non-judgmental about your concerns
• If you need to wait a long time for an appointment, look into other resources like your primary care doctor, nurse practitioner, mental health hotlines, or even crisis centers
• Build a support network and make sure you can talk to someone by telephone and people you know that will make themselves available for you if necessary

I would encourage you to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day. But first, discuss the type of exercise you are planning to do with your health care provider.  Workouts can strengthen both your body and mind. Aerobic exercise, in particular, can help to improve your mood and lower your stress levels by releasing endorphins. But whatever, form of exercise you do, it can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health. first, discuss what your exercise regimen with your health care provider. Aerobic exercise, in particular, can help to improve your mood and lower your stress levels by releasing endorphins. But whatever, form of exercise you do, it can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health.

In closing, focus on following healthy aspects in your daily lives like:

• Getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
• Eating a well- balanced diet
• Learning how to manage your stress
• And, making time to take care of yourself every day

Even small changes can have a positive impact on your life.

Good Health to You All,

Karen Giblin