Mental Health Month

Mayo Clinic offers some thoughts on mental illness. A few I think are worth mentioning...

Others' perceptions. Your own perceptions alone may not give you an accurate picture of your behavior, thoughts or functioning. Other people in your life, on the other hand, might be able to do so. To you, your life may seem normal, but what you think of as quirks or personality traits may be causing more problems than you realize. To those around you, your behavior may seem odd or disruptive. For example, if you have bipolar disorder, you may think your mood swings are just part of the normal ups and downs of life. But to others, your thoughts and actions may appear abnormal or cause problems at work, in relationships or in other areas of your life.

Anger. Do you slam down the phone when faced with endless computerized voice prompts? Have you gotten into a shouting match with a stranger over a parking space at the mall? Ever put your fist through the wall after an argument with your spouse?

This is not anger management at its finest. Although anger is a natural emotion, it may be getting the best of you. Instead of expressing your anger in a healthy and assertive way, you may be expressing it in a hostile, aggressive manner — a manner that could lead to violence and a slew of personal and professional consequences.

...Sure, everyday frustrations, impatience and resentment can all cause your temper to flare. For many people, these are fleeting moments. They're able to take these situations in stride and quickly return to a sense of calm without exploding.

But if your blood boils after minor irritations — such as losing that coveted parking space — or if you're constantly seething, you may need to improve how you're managing anger. Anger that's out of control can be destructive, leading to problems in your relationships, at work, in your enjoyment of life and with your health. You could even be arrested or face other legal problems.

It can be very frustrating getting help for mental illness/behavioral health. It takes time, patience, money (or perhaps insurance coverage at least) often long-term therapy and/or medication, and a recognition of the importance of treatment. In my experience, it is worth the trouble, but the difficulty in finding help often leaves people and their relationships suffering.

Take some time this holiday weekend to stop and smell the roses, relax and enjoy life.