PORTLAND, Ore. — Thursday marks World Mental Health Day, a day to raise awareness about mental health conditions globally and how we can help ourselves and others feel better.
There is clearly a lot to be done to improve the mental health reality in our communities. Data shows 1 in 5 Americans, both adults and youths, suffer from a diagnosable mental health condition. That includes depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorders.
And Oregon ranks dead last in the prevalence of mental health conditions, as well as access to behavioral health care, said Dr. Mike Franz, executive medical director behavioral health at Regence.
Children's mental health problems have been on the rise for at least the past ten years, although the most recent data shows a slight improvement. But there is still a lot of suffering across the country.
“So, the kids are not all right, so you have an emergency and behavioral health across the country for our youth, and we need to do everything possible to try to address that,” said Franz.
Franz said people of all ages can do things to help themselves get healthier or guard against mental illness.
It starts with maintaining a daily routine in your life, including a good routine for work or school and study time. Also, getting consistent sleep is important, along with being active with regular walks and exercise.
Franz said it also helps avoid stressors in your life, while identifying pleasurable and meaningful activities and relationships and engaging in them.
Having poor mental health, he said, affects your entire being.
“If you have a behavioral health condition that you're not or addressing appropriately or getting effective treatment, you're more likely to develop physical conditions,” said Franz, noting that the opposite is also true: poor physical health can lead to mental health problems.
So, whether it is your physical or mental health, get help if you need it; there is no shame in that.
And a reminder: if you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24-7. Just call or text 988, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is open 24-7. The Oregon YouthLine can also be reached at 877-968-8491.