Many people may not realize how significantly mental health impacts them. Our mental health assists us in effectively coping with stress in our lives.  Ineffective coping is referred to as mental illness. Sadly, mental illness is not often identified or treated until it creates sufficient destruction to send a person to prison, alienate friends and family, or cause the afflicted person to commit suicide. Reasons for this delay are often the result of denial and fear of the negative stigma that can accompany a mental health diagnosis.

One way to prevent mental illness from overpowering you is to go to your primary care provider or your local mental health provider for a simple screening. This screening can help to identify areas which could eventually cause strife or dysfunction before they get out of hand. Cole Memorial and Dickinson Center are two useful resources in the area. Other resources to check out would be private counselors or therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or clergy.

Many people with mental illness continue to live full, productive lives. Some have suffered tremendous losses in life because the illness was not identified early enough for treatment to prevent the fall. In order to live our best life, we must find balance and understand that health must include not only the physical self, but also the social, economic, spiritual, cultural, emotional, and intellectual self. This is fortunate for those of us who are not perfect in one or more areas of self. In those cases, our better parts can help balance or improve the less perfect attributes. It’s important to know that sometimes people need a little coaching and encouragement, perhaps even medication, to help cope.

(In addition to her duties as care manager, Barth works in the hospital’s inpatient behavioral health department.)