May 2, 2024 // by Needham Pediatrics
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world. ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manager stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations. ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.
"I'm claiming today to be a good day."
"Your mental health journey starts with a single moment. Take it!"
"There is no shame in seeking help for your mental health."
"Your mental health is everything. Prioritize it."
"Small steps can lead to big progress in mental health."
Where to Start?
- Talk to someone – A trusted person like a family member or doctor
- Start small – Take a break from screens, take a minute to check in with yourself, let yourself cry.
- Get more information from a trusted source like your doctor or websites such as SAMHSA, American Academy of Pediatrics, Mental Health America, Anxiety and Depression Association, NAMI
- National Behavioral Help Line – Helps connect individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use offered in Massachusetts, including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis care. Call for real-time support, initial clinical assessment, and connection to the right evaluation and treatment. It is available 24/7, 365 days per year and is available for all residents of Massahusetts.
National Behavioral Help Line – Call or text 833-773-2445. Visit the website to chat online.
What are the Signs of a Mental Health Struggle?
Signs and symptoms can vary depending on factors such as age or cultural background.
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
To learn more about Needham Pediatrics behavioral health resources, please visit our website, ask your doctor, or call us at 781-444-7186 x258