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EDITORIAL: Wellness requires coping

St. Joseph News-Press (MO) - 5/23/2016

May 23--In this month when advocates promote awareness of mental health issues, too many people are too busy experiencing private pains to notice.

The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill reports about 1 in 4 adults suffers a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. About 1 in 25 adults experiences a severe mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. About 1 in 5 youths under age 18 will experience a severe mental disorder sometime during their lifetime.

These illnesses can range from anxiety and mood disorders, to personality and psychotic disorders, to eating disorders, to problems controlling impulses and urges that are harmful to the person involved.

A shattered psyche is most evident in death, as those in St. Joseph and the surrounding area who recently have lost loved ones to suicide can testify. But experts remind many mental illnesses share a common template of causes, including biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Controlling what you can is consistent counsel from experts who believe learning and mastering coping skills can contribute to good mental health wellness. Among the most often recommended steps:

--Set aside time every day to allow you to relax and put some distance from the stresses of life. Consider meditation, other relaxation techniques or reading to take your mind off life concerns.

--Immerse yourself in something enjoyable or rewarding. Friends are important. Hobbies provide a creative outlet. Prayer and spirituality, volunteering, caring for a pet -- all of these are outwardly focused pursuits that reduce stress and can bring immense joy and satisfaction in one's life.

--Sleep and eat well. The science is clear on the benefits of adequate sleep contributing to both physical and mental health. The same is true for proper nutrition -- it makes a difference to mental wellness.

Developing coping skills is but one strategy for improved mental health. For other concerns, contact the Family Guidance Center in St. Joseph at 816-364-1501. For crisis intervention, call the 24-hour hotline at 888-279-8188. A mental health professional will assist you.

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(c)2016 the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.)

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