Hospital Corner

Continuing our series on Mental Health Awareness, in this second part, mental-health problems take many forms, from severe to mild, but all can affect how we function and our quality of life. Generally, there is more than one factor that contributes to the development of a mental-health condition.

Risk factors are things that increase the chance of developing a condition (Mental Health America) and include: Traumas- physical (car accident) or emotional (loss of a loved one), genetics, our biology and brain chemistry, lifestyle (such as chronically poor sleep and diet, lack of exercise), and substance use (drug and alcohol use affect mood/sleep/relationships and alter parts of your brain).

Many mental health conditions can improve with help and support. The first options are learning about the condition and gaining tools to improve symptoms. More in-depth treatment, including medication, can effectively relieve emotional pain and prevent the deadly fallout of suicide. Mental health counselors, Hotlines, your healthcare provider, church support, or friends and family can all be sources for help.

Sometimes we can’t change the stressors in life, but we can learn how to tolerate and react to them better, making them less overwhelming and more manageable. Mental Health changes can affect how we function in life, and most concerning is that sadness, grief, depression, and drug and alcohol problems can lead to increased suicidal thoughts and actions.

The good news is that there are protective factors that may decrease the chance of developing a condition or may balance out a risk factor. Some examples of protective factors include physical health and healthy behaviors, social and family support, problem-solving skills, pets, and positive attitude/hope.

Also, there are agencies and hotlines to help. Locally Columbia County Health System Clinics Behavioral Health 509 382 3200, ED for crisis, Blue Mountain Counseling at 509-382-1164. Columbia County Crisis Line- 509-876-0626 and national Suicide Prevention/ Crisis Lifeline 1-800-273 TALK (8255).