This year, Mental Illness Awareness Week is Oct. 2 – 8. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, millions of Americans live with mental health conditions. Mental illness is likely to affect everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or co-workers. And while you may think mental health and mental illness mean the same thing, there’s a difference between the 2.
Mental health
Mental health consists of our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It can impact our thoughts, feelings and actions. It also can determine how we deal with stress, relate to others and make decisions.
Some things you can do to maintain your mental health include
- developing coping skills
- connecting with others
- being physically active
- sleeping enough and
- getting professional help.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. However, a mental health concern can become a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function. The good news is that with help, mental illnesses can be treated, just like when we have a physical illness.
Mental illness
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the condition. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. The signs and symptoms of mental illness may include
- feeling sad or down
- excessive fears or worries
- withdrawal from friends and activities
- major changes in eating habits and
- issues with alcohol or drugs.
Resources available to you
If you want to learn more, visit the Mental Health Resources page on PASSport to find free tips and tools and other valuable information.
If you’re struggling with a mental health concern or illness, talk with your primary care doctor or a mental health professional. If you’re looking for an online option and are enrolled in our BCBS PPO Plan, mental health therapy and psychiatric medication management services are available through Amwell telehealth for a low $25 copay per online visit.
