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Home > News
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| Thursday, May 20, 2010
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Contact: Debra Thompson
Director, RMH Corporate Communications
540-564-5886
Good mental health is within reach for most people, according to the RMH Center for Behavioral Health.
“Good mental health is largely a matter of awareness and prevention,” said Dr. Lawrence Conell, MD, medical director, RMH Center for Behavioral Health. “Even though most mental illnesses are biologically-based, there are steps people can take to prevent mental illnesses from occurring or worsening.”
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental illnesses, Dr. Conell noted. “Knowing the signs and symptoms of these and other illnesses, and knowing how to ask for help are the keys to successful prevention and treatment,” he said.
Adults may have confused thinking, prolonged sadness or hopelessness, extreme mood changes, social withdrawal, substance abuse, difficulty coping with daily routine, intense fear and worry, uncontrolled anger, unexplained physical ailments or suicidal thoughts, he said.
Children may exhibit different signs and symptoms than adults, said Aamir Mahmood, MD, child and adolescent psychiatry, RMH Valley Behavioral Medicine. “Children may act out their fears, worry or sadness rather than talk about it,” he said. “Warning signs of mental illness in younger children can include changes in school performance, fear, anxiety or worry that prevents them from taking part in normal activities, hyperactivity, and unusual aggression or tantrums.”
Older children may abuse substances, exhibit excessive anger or fear, experience a change in eating or sleep patters, have difficulty coping with relationships, school or other routines, complain of physical ailments, or exhibit unusually defiant behaviors, he noted.
If these, or other unusual or troubling behaviors, persist for two weeks or more, it may be a sign of mental illness, Dr. Conell said.
“Talk to your primary care physician, a psychiatrist or counselor who can help you manage these challenges successfully,” he said. “With proper treatment, 70-90 percent of people with mental illness experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.”
Key lifestyle choices can help with prevention, he noted. Tips include:
- Establishing a regular exercise practice
- Nurturing friendships
- Taking time to organize
- Learning something new
- Being kind to oneself
“Take care of your physical health,” Dr. Conell said. “It’s all connected. Proper nutrition, plenty of rest, exercise and moderate caffeine and alcohol intake will pay off in extra energy and an improved outlook on life.”
For more information, contact the RMH Center for Behavioral Health at (540) 564-5960 or toll free at (877) 294-5731.
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