Emotional Health and Wellness€¦ · Web view5. Coping with grief When you face a loss, you may...

Emotional Health and WellnessHealth Tips for Use in E-mails and Other Communications

This document includes tips of the week that can be used along with a year-long emotional health and wellness campaign or as individual messages. The tips are broken down by topic.

Topics:

Emotional HealthMental IllnessDepressionAnxietyChildren TeensHealthy AgingMind-Body ConnectionEating Disorders Substance Abuse

Booklet Tip for Employers:Mix and match these messages with other BlueResourceSM e-mail messages from the Health Care Common Sense, Stress Management and Preventive Health booklets.

BlueResource SM Emotional Health and Wellness Weekly Tip Copy of 21

Emotional Health

1.How to bounce back

Emotionally healthy people bounce back from hard times, trials and stress. This skill is called resilience. It takes effort, but you can learn to be flexible and bounce back. Learning to be someone who bounces back takes time and practice. If you feel like you need help, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Source: American Psychological Association

2.A healthy mind, a healthy life

A healthy mind is a big part of your overall health and wellness. Here are some tips to help keep your mind and body in good shape:

Take care of yourself: Stay active, eat right, get plenty of rest and be positive. Seek the support of family and friends during stressful situations. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help.

Even if you are taking clear steps to take charge of your emotional health, call your doctor if you feel overwhelmed.

Source: American Psychiatric Association

3.Your emotional health: keep it top of mind

When you are emotionally healthy, you’re in control of your thoughts, feelings and the way you act. But even healthy people can sometimes have problems.

About 1 in 5 U.S. families have dealt with a mental illness, including one fifth of school-age children. It’s normal to feel worried, sad, unhappy or stressed at times. See your doctor or other health care professional if you see any of these warning signs:

Personality changes Not able to cope with daily life Worrying too much Sadness that doesn’t go away Great highs and lows

Sources: American Psychiatric Association; National Institute of Health; American Academy of Family Physicians


http://www.psych.org/

Emotional Health

4.Bouncing back: the right mindset for setbacks

Resilience is not a trait that people are born with. It’s something that can be learned. Resilience means you bounce back and adjust to challenging events, suffering, pain or stress. Research shows that having loving and trusting relationships is the most useful thing you can do to build your bounce.

Other ways you can build resilience include:

Accepting that change is a part of living and take a broader view Working on realistic goals Acting on situations rather than hoping they’ll go away Seeing a setback as an chance to learn more about yourself Being positive and hopeful Taking care of yourself

Even if you are taking clear steps to improve your resilience, call your doctor if you feel overwhelmed.

Source: American Psychological Association

5.Coping with grief

When you face a loss, you may have feelings of shock, denial, guilt, sadness and acceptance. Coping with grief involves going through all of these feelings.

How do you get through grief? Here are some tips for dealing with a loss:

Talk to others about your feelings. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy food and work out. Avoid alcohol. It can make you feel sadder. Get back into daily tasks. Avoid big life changes. Let yourself feel, to cry, to be angry or numb. Go easy on yourself. Ask for professional help if you need it.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Mental Health America


Emotional Health6.Stress relief

Stress is a normal mental and physical answer to life events. Stress itself isn't bad. What matters is how you deal with it. Steer clear of stress with these calming relaxation techniques:

Practice yoga or tai chi. Listen to soothing music. Work out regularly. Think about peaceful mental images and meditate. Get a massage.

Learn your stress signals so you can know when to practice relaxation techniques. If stress results in problems coping with everyday life, seek professional help.

Sources: Mayo Clinic; American Psychological Association

7.Slow down and drive anger away

We live in a busy world. This can sometimes cause harmful emotions, such as anger. Experts say that anger is okay in the right circumstances and in limited amounts. Anger should not be a habit. It can hurt your relationships with others. Uncontrolled anger can also harm your body.

If you feel your anger is out of control, think about seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional.

Sources: Mayo Clinic; American Psychological Association

8.Stress

Stress is a normal answer to life’s situations. Even good events can cause stress. But great stress can cause problems ranging from being tired to heart disease and obesity. Even less stress over an extended time can be harmful. If you feel overwhelmed by stress, you may want to talk to your doctor or a professional therapist/counselor.

Sources: American Psychological Association; Mayo Clinic


Mental Illness9.Solving the puzzle

Years ago, mental illness was a great puzzle. Today researchers know so much more about causes and treatments. They have found that many mental illnesses are the result of brain chemistry. They may also be the result of traits you are born with or the things you live through.

Mental issues can result in mild to serious problems with mood, thinking or actions. Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Each year, more than 44 million people in the U.S. suffer from one or more mental disorders.

Seek help if you or a loved one has a problem that won’t go away.

Sources: United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; American Psychiatric Association; Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

10.Master your mind

At one time, the topic of mental illness was very misunderstood. A lot of progress has been made in understanding and treating it. But there are still myths that can keep people from getting help. Medicine can be very useful, but it’s not the only resource. Sometimes therapy alone can help those with mental disorders. Others may need therapy and medicine. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can help you learn more.


11.Retrain your brain

There are a number of ways to boost your mental health. Try these tips to help keep your health in balance:

Surround yourself with people you can trust who will support and comfort you. Stave off stress. Limit negative actions, such as listening to downbeat news. Find time for fun. Ask for more help. Tune in to your feelings and know when to get more support from

a mental health professional, doctor or religious or spiritual guide.

If you have tried to build up your mental and emotional health and still don’t feel good, then it’s time to seek professional help. A behavioral health professional can work with you to set up a treatment plan that meets your needs. Get help early before the problem is harder to treat.



Mental Illness

12.What’s up with feeling down?

We all go through ups and downs when it comes to our moods. But what’s normal? If your mood is way down or way up for a long period of time, you may have a mood disorder. There are four basic types of mood disorders, which include:

Major depression (feelings of sadness with no hope that lasts) Bipolar disorder (moods switch between highs and lows) Seasonal affective disorder or SAD (lower amounts of light, mainly in the winter

months, change moods) Mania (great activity, ego and optimism)

Are people born with mood disorders? The answer is yes and no. Research shows that most serious mental illnesses are caused by brain chemicals that are out of balance. But, a person’s environment can also help or hurt their chances of having a mood disorder. Fortunately, mental illnesses, even if serious, can be treated. With the right care, people can lead useful lives.

Sources: Mental Health America; United States Department of Health and Human Services; National Institutes of Health

13.Get the facts

Mental illness is widespread. Milder forms touch one-fifth of U.S. adults each year. One fifth of school-age children also have mental health problems. Three percent of the people in the U.S. have severe mental illness.

About 20 percent of the people in the U.S. say they have at least one sign of depression in a given month. About 12 percent say they have two or more in a year. Each year, close to 44 million people in the U.S. have a mental health problem. In fact, mental illnesses are among the most widely found health problems that people face. But mental illnesses can be treated.

If you have any signs or symptoms of a mood disorder, see your doctor or mental health professional. Most mental illnesses don't get better without help. But if you seek care early, you can head off problems before they get bigger.

Source: National Institutes of Health; Mental Health America


Depression14.Life is full of ups and downs

On life's roller coaster, sometimes you're up and sometimes you're down. Sadness can be a normal part of life, but if your blues stay or keep coming back, they may be more than something you can sing your way through. You may be suffering from depression, a sickness that affects 20 million people in the U.S. each year. If you are sad for two weeks or longer, you should get in touch with your doctor, who can offer care choices.

Sources: Mental Health America

15.Help for depression

Sadness is a part of life. A loved one’s death, a job loss or the ending of a relationship can all cause pain. It’s normal to have feelings of sadness or grief after stressful events. People going through these problems may say they are depressed. But sadness and depression are not the same. Sadness will go away with time, but depression can last for months, even years. People who have had depression note marked differences between normal sadness and the disabling weight of major depression. If you think you may be suffering from depression, seek professional help. Don't lose hope.

Source: National Institutes of Health; Mental Health America, American Psychiatric Association

16.Crying for Help

Sadness that won’t go away can happen at any time and in certain situations, such as after the birth of a child or during a specific time of the year.

If your newborn isn’t the only one crying, you may have post partum depression. This only happens after giving birth. It can begin any time after a child is born and can last up to a year. If this sounds like you, try these coping tips and seek help if you need it:

Talk with others about your feelings or fears. Spend time with friends or a support group. Work out and eat a healthful diet. Avoid caffeine, which can set off mood changes.

Sources: National Institutes of Health; Mental Health America, American Psychiatric Association


Depression

17.A SAD Feeling

Some people suffer from signs of great sadness during the winter. They feel better during spring and summer. This kind of sadness is called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. SAD affects half a million people every year between September and April. It is worse in December, January and February.

Here are some tips for dealing with SAD:

Go through phototherapy (light treatment). Spend time outdoors during the day. Bring more sunlight into your home or where you work. Use drugs as prescribed by a doctor if other measures do not work.

Source: National Institutes of Health; Mental Health America, American Psychiatric Association

18.Know the signs

One of the most feared results of mood problems is suicide. Taking one’s own life is the eleventh cause of death in the U.S.

Here are a few warning signs that someone may be thinking about taking their own life:

Verbal threats, such as “Maybe I won’t be here.” Taking unusual risks Earlier tries Personality changes Great sadness Giving away what they have or own No worry abut the future

For urgent help call this free, 24-hour hotline for anyone in crisis:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Sources: Mental Health America; United States Department of Health and Human Services; National Institutes of Health


Depression

19.Treat emotional health like a life depends upon it

People with major depression are eight times more likely to take their own lives than those who don’t have this problem. If you believe someone is in danger, don’t delay. Get professional help:

Some signs of depression include:

A sad or blank mood that doesn't go away Sleeping too much or too little Loss of hope and self worth Not being involved in hobbies and things once enjoyed Eating less and weight loss, or eating more and weight gain Restlessness, bad temper Physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment Having a hard time focusing, remembering or making decisions Worn out or loss of energy Thoughts of suicide or death

Depression is not a normal part of life, no matter what your age, sex or health situation.

You can change sad to glad. Clinical depression is very treatable, with more than 80 percent of those who seek help showing change for the better.

Sources: National Institutes of Health; Mental Health America, American Psychiatric Association


Anxiety20.Don’t wing it when it comes to your feelings

It's normal to feel that nervous fluttering in your stomach from time to time. But, if you have worry that lasts, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD causes problems with daily living and relationships and makes it hard to enjoy life.

Warning signs can include:

Sleep problems Tiredness and a bad mood Trouble focusing Endless worry about big or little things Tense or aching body Shaking or feeling jumpy Sweating, unsettled stomach or loose stools Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat

It could be more than the butterflies. Don’t wing it when it comes to your feelings. Talk to a mental health professional right away.

Source: Mental Health America

21.Heading off post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

You may have heard of PTSD and think it’s only about military combat. While that is a widely seen cause, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can happen after going through or seeing other upsetting events. These can include:

Disasters Terrorist incidents Accidents Physical or sexual attack as a child or adult

If signs of worry, fear, helplessness, guilt, shame or anger last for more than a month, you may have PTSD. Talk to your doctor if you see these signs.

Source: Mental Health America

22.Don’t worry, be happy

Telling yourself not to worry can be easier said than done. Worry and fear can be normal. But, if those fears stay with you, or get worse, you may be suffering from anxiety. More than 40 million people have one or more illnesses that can change how much they enjoy life. See your doctor if you feel like you're worrying too much.

Sources: National Institute of Mental Health; The Mayo Clinic


Children23.Know the risks

Emotional problems don’t just happen to adults. About 9 million U.S. children have serious mental disorders at any given time. But only 1 in 5 of these children is getting the right care. Some myths about mental illnesses can keep families from seeking help for their children. As a parent, you want the very best for your child. If signs of mental problems last and you or others are worried, take your child or teen to the doctor or other health care professional.

Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness; American Psychological Assoc; Mental Health America

24.ADHD: Know the signs

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent reasons children are referred for mental health services. It touches as many as 1 in 20 children. Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to have ADHD. But this problem affects both boys and girls. Just because a child has a lot of energy or trouble sitting still in school does not mean the child has ADHD. As a general rule, it is time to talk to a mental health professional if your child's actions:

Do not match the age Are an on-going pattern Get in the way of learning, growth and social progress


25.Know the signs of autism

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex developmental disorders of the brain. ASDs are defined by a set of actions that can range from very mild to severe. Signs to look for include:

Lack of, or delay in, spoken language Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms Not looking people in the eye Not caring about other children Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play Interest only in parts of objects Little or no smiling

Much about ASDs is not known. But the consensus is: the earlier the diagnosis, the earlier interventions and treatment can begin. Talk to your child’s doctor if you see these signs in your child.



Teens

26.Improving the odds for teens

Teens make choices, solve problems and act differently than adults. There is a good reason: your teen’s brain. Studies show that the part of the brain that controls thinking and impulses is still changing and maturing well into adulthood. Other big changes in the brain during the teen years include a rapid gain in the links between cells and changes in brain pathways. All these things bring about changes in how teens think and act. As a result of these brain changes, teens may:

Act without thinking it through or join in unsafe actions Misread emotions or social cues Get into accidents Get involved in fights

While it is normal for all teens to go through brain changes, if you are worried that your child is having problems, get in touch with the doctor or mental health professional.

Sources: United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; Mental Health America; American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology; American Academy of Family Physicians

27.Facing anger during the teen years

When kids enter the teen scene, it brings strong mental and physical changes and special challenges to teens and parents. Loving families can help protect teens against unsafe actions. But even in the most loving homes, the teen years can lead to anger. The best way to deal with anger is to step back, calm down and try to deal with problems in a more thoughtful way. Here are some calming down tips to help you be a good role model for your teen:

Pick your battles. Take a deep breath; count to ten. Think before you speak. Go for a walk. Talk to yourself first. Remind yourself to calm down. Reframe the problem. Focus on what might really be going on. Use humor, but without sarcasm.

If anger becomes a problem for someone in the family, or if you think your family is at a crisis point, seek help from a mental health professional.

Sources: United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Mental Health America, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology; American Academy of Family Physicians


Teens

28.Suicide

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 10 to 24-year-olds. If you suspect your teen or young adult is in trouble, seek help right away from a mental health professional.

Sources: United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, Mental Health America, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology; American Academy of Family Physicians

29.Doctor’s orders

In 2008, 1.9 million young people age 12 to 17 misused prescription drugs. Painkillers were misused by 1.6 million teens. That makes painkillers one of the most often misused drugs by teens.

Teens and young adults sometimes misuse prescription drugs to get high, to help with school work and to treat pain. They might think that because some drugs are prescribed by doctors they are safe to use without doctors’ orders. Or they think it’s not necessary to take drugs the right way. But taking medicine prescribed for someone else or not taking it as directed can result in addiction. It can also be deadly.

If you think your teen might have a problem, talk to your doctor right away.

Sources: National Institute of Drug Abuse; American Psychiatric Association; Mental Health America


Healthy Aging30.Give recall a boost

There are no known treatments that promise you will not have memory problems as you age. But research shows that healthy diets rich in unsaturated fats, such as fish oils, can lower your chances of having problems. Here are some other ways to boost recall and mental health throughout life:

Socialize regularly. Keep your mind active. Eat a healthy diet. Exercise daily. Focus by limiting distractions. Get organized. Take care of a health problem that lasts a long time.

If you are a care giver, don’t let recall problems in an older adult go untreated. If memory loss keeps them from completing their normal daily actions, talk to their doctor.

Sources: MayoClinic.com; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Psychological Association

31.Ageless advice for a healthy life

Healthy aging involves both mind and body. Good mental health is worth a lot at every age. Take steps now to make your mind and body strong for a healthier, happier future. There are many good lifestyle choices you can make to keep your mind healthy. The mind, like the body, is helped when you do these things:

Take charge of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eat wholesome food. Keep a healthy weight. Stay active.

Sources: Mental Health America; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

32.Some things are better with age

Getting older comes with its own challenges. But a healthy mind can help you enjoy your golden years. Good mental health will also help you better handle tough situations. Being in good mental health doesn’t mean you are never sad or in a bad mood. But if gloomy moods last, you could have a bigger problem. Studies show that mental illnesses in older people are often not noticed. Nearly 20 percent of people age 55 and older have mental disorders that are not part of normal aging. If you are concerned for yourself or a parent, get in touch with your doctor or mental health professional.

Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry


Healthy Aging

33.The march of time: Keeping the mind in good shape as you age

People in the U.S. are living longer and wanting to stay healthy in both mind and body. While you can’t stop the march of time, you can take steps to keep your mind and emotions healthy. Many of the things you do to keep your body healthy also help your mind, including:

Staying physically active and having a good outlook Eating healthy meals Lowering stress Following doctor’s drug orders Giving your mind a work out with puzzles, crosswords and mental exercises.


34.Healthy aging

Depression isn’t a normal part of growing older. But you do have more chance of having this problem as you age. Depression is more widely found in people who also have other illnesses or become disabled. About 80 percent of older adults have at least one health problem that lasts a long time. Fifty percent have two or more. Seek help if you or a loved one stays sad for too long.


35.Understanding forgetfulness in older adults

Some changes in recall are part of getting older. It’s easy to misplace the car keys or forget a name. But it can be scary when an aging parent becomes more forgetful. Forgetting to turn off the stove or getting lost in well known places might be a sign of a more serious problem. These types of recall problems may be a sign of dementia or Alzheimer’s. If you are concerned about a loved one’s forgetfulness, get in touch with a mental health professional for guidance.



Healthy Aging

36.Work out for the mind

As you age, it’s just as vital to keep your mind healthy as it is to keep your body in good shape. Here are some ways to keep your mind active:

Learn new things. Read a challenging book. Work crossword or other puzzles. Take classes; go to lectures and plays. Try memory exercises.

When you look for ways to keep your mind in its best shape, you can help keep your mind healthy throughout each stage of your life.

Sources: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry


Mind-Body Connection

37.Think about the physical health link

Many people in the U.S. are discovering the link between good mental and physical health. It’s often called the mind-body connection since your body reacts to the way you think, feel and act. Want to help your mental and physical health? Try these ideas:

Express your feelings in the right ways rather than keeping them inside. Live a balanced life by reducing things that cause you stress and adding fun

things. Build resilience to cope with stress in a healthy way. Calm your mind and body using deep breathing or meditation. Eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep and work out regularly. Avoid overeating and don’t misuse drugs or alcohol.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Psychological Association

38.Recipe for a healthy mindFood doesn’t just feed the body, it also feeds the mind. Poor eating habits can change how your brain works. No one knows exactly which foods help your mental health the most. But you can come out a winner and boost your energy, mood and overall wellness by sticking to a healthy diet.

Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness; Mental Health America

39.Healthy food for a healthy mind

The word diet does not mean boring, or hard. A good diet should include food you enjoy. The key is eating all kinds of food, serving the right size portions, and cooking food in a healthy way. Sometimes just a few changes can mean a big reward in both physical and emotional health.


40.Mental health tidbits to chew on

Emotional eating: People often use food as a way to deal with emotional problems. Some people eat when they are stressed, bored, sad or afraid. Finding out what food means to you is the first step in taking control of your eating.



Mind-Body Connection41.Healthy eating

Balance is the key to eating well. Your daily food should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Experts also suggest a diet low in saturated fats, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and sugars. By sticking to a balanced diet, you can reap these rewards:

Boost your energy Fuel your mind Influence mood-related body chemicals Act against the impact of stress on your body Lower your chances of getting certain diseases


42.Mind matters

When it comes to your health, the mind matters. Studies have shown there is a close link between your physical and mental health. In fact, poor mental health can weaken your body’s immune system, making it more likely you’ll get sick. Because your emotions have such an impact on your overall health, be sure to talk with your doctor about your feelings. This is very important if you have harmful feelings that don’t go away, or are so strong that you can’t enjoy life.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

43.Balancing act

Balance for your body and your brain: Your mind works best when fed all kinds of food. Your brain needs carbohydrates, fats and proteins to regulate your mood and thinking.

Streamline the blood flow to your brain. Your brain needs a strong blood flow to bring oxygen and food to your brain. Saturated fats and cholesterol can make your blood vessels smaller.


44.Motion’s the potion

Working out can help your body deal with stress. It is also good for your emotional health. Aim for 30 minutes or more of exercise per day to get the best results.



Eating Disorders45.Learn the truth about eating disorders

Eating disorders are complex emotional problems that can lead to serious health problems. Once started, they are hard to stop. These life-threatening problems often begin with worry about food and weight. But they are often about much more. People with eating disorders often try to handle feelings and emotions with food. If you think you may have an eating disorder, seek help early from a behavioral health professional. You will have a better chance of beating it.

Sources: SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services; National Eating Disorders Association

46.Seeing is believing: Do you have healthy feelings about your body?

Mirror, mirror on the wall, are you the thinnest of them all? If you don’t like the size or shape of your body, you have a higher chance of developing an eating disorder. You may also feel sad, alone, have poor self-esteem and be too focused on weight loss. When you are surrounded by pictures of skinny celebrities or beefed up athletes, it can be easy to have false ideas about body image. Take time to value what’s good about the body you have. Learn to value it both inside and out.


47.Consumed by food: How eating disorders harm the body

Eating disorders can cause serious health problems. Here are some ways they can harm the body:

Anorexia Nervosa (self starvation): Heart problems Weak bones due to calcium loss Anemia and swollen joints

Bulimia Nervosa (bingeing and then throwing up): Injured teeth, esophagus and stomach Irregular heartbeats and heart problems Peptic ulcers and inflamed pancreas

Binge-Eating Disorder (eating too much food): Obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol Tiredness and joint pain Type II diabetes, gallbladder and heart problems

If you think you have one of these problems, seek help early from a behavioral health professional.



Substance Abuse and Addiction

48.Recovering from addiction is possible

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by out-of-control drug seeking and use, even when that use causes problems. It is considered a brain illness because drugs change the brain. They change its structure and how it works.

But scientific discoveries have led to advances that can help. Many treatments that get results are available. But like every journey, the road to healing begins with the first step. In this case, the first step is seeing the problem. If you think you, or someone you know might have a problem, seek help from your doctor or other mental health professional. Don’t delay. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can beat addiction.


49.Be smart: Follow doctor’s orders

The nonmedical use or misuse of prescription drugs is a grave and growing problem in the U.S. Many people think that because some drugs are prescribed by doctors they are safe to use without doctors’ orders. Or people think they don’t have to take these drugs the right way. But not taking drugs as your doctor meant can result in addiction. It can also be deadly. Never take drugs prescribed for someone else. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the drugs you are taking.


50.Break the chains

Insight into substance abuse and addiction has made great progress thanks to research about the brain. This has led to treatments that can help people.

Addiction is an illness that affects both the brain and actions. But it need not be a life sentence. Like many long-term illnesses, addiction can be handled so that people can beat the illness.

If you, or someone you know has a problem, seek help from your doctor or other mental health professional. Don’t delay.



Substance Abuse and Addiction

51.Taking control

The misuse of drugs and alcohol is by far the leading cause of illnesses in the U.S. that could be avoided.

People who suffer from addiction often have one or more health problems. They are more likely to have physical illnesses and mental disorders. Substance abuse doesn’t cause a mental health problem, but these two illnesses often are found at the same time.

It’s not just health that suffers. Finances, relationships and careers can be ruined. The misuse of drugs and alcohol is the leading cause of premature death in the U.S.

If you think you, or someone you know has a problem, seek help from your doctor or other mental health professional.


52.Every journey begins with a single step

The first step to healing from addiction is seeing the problem. This step is often made tough by a lack of understanding or denial. In these cases, the help of friends and family often prompts the start of healing. There are many warning signs including:

Using the substance on a regular basis (daily, weekends or in binges) Tolerance for the substance Failed tries to stop Physical and/or emotional craving Withdrawal symptoms

If you think you, or someone you know has a problem, seek help from your doctor or other mental health professional.



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