National Disability Awareness

    Mental health problems affect 800 million people worldwide.  Mental illness encompasses depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, or even addictive behaviors.  These disorders affect the day-to-day tasks that affect mood, thinking, and behavior.

Most Common mental health disabilities:

        Anxiety, depression, and ADHD are the most common mental health problems.

• Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide.  Feelings of sadness, crying, and a loss of interest in everyday activities characterize it.  It causes issues with sleeping and insomnia, which interferes with everyday activities.  It causes low- self-esteem and changes in appetite. 
• Post- COVID, anxiety has taken hold of more than 7 million people.  Those suffering from it experience constant worrying, panic attacks, and fear of the unknown.  The person may feel overwhelming stress, with feelings of hopelessness.  It interferes with everyday living and may require medication.
• ADHD is another serious mental health issue.  It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children.  It’s characterized by trouble paying attention, impulsive behavior, and overactivity.  People afflicted by ADHD often have trouble maintaining relationships, have impulsive behavior, and are often aggressive.

To cope with these disabilities:

Depression tips:

• Stay active, get outside, and exercise!  Even if it’s 20 minutes a day it can help to boost your mood.
• Stay in touch- Go out and socialize and keep in touch with family and friends.  Social withdrawal and isolation are some of the worst triggers for depression.
• Get into a routine- make a schedule and plan out your days.  Get up at a normal time and set a routine  Eating healthier and being mindful of your diet is helpful to cope with depression symptoms.

Anxiety tips:

• Try to manage stress, by doing yoga and relaxation techniques, such as practicing mindfulness.  
• It’s important to stay active and avoid alcohol.  This can heighten anxiety symptoms.
• Keep in touch with others and get involved in the community, by joining groups or even volunteering.  It’s important to put yourself out there because isolation causes more worries.  Feeling appreciated by others can help to lessen symptoms. 
• Keep a routine, and a proper sleep schedule, and start journaling.  Anxiety can cause insomnia and hopelessness so it’s important to get into a treatment plan.  

ADHD tips:

• Limit distractions, such as cell phones/TVs.  If possible sit in front of the class.
• Take breaks and use a planner to try to stay on task
• Set alarms and use timers to finish tasks.  It’s important not to get sidetracked
• Take 1 task at a time

Edited by TLC intern: Brigitte Black