A Not-So-Fun but very relevant topic: Mental Illness

If you have delved into the story of the senseless shooting at a local grocery store in Tucson, Arizona, this past weekend, it becomes quickly apparent that the young man, who is the alleged shooter, had recently been exhibiting mental instability.

Because this column is dedicated to helping people change their lives, I feel that it is an appropriate time—especially in light of the tragedy—to ask if you would be able to identify and respond to people in your life who exhibit mental health problems?

In my own work with students and families, it is becoming more common to hear of teens and twenties who exhibit unexplained behavior, self-medicate with illegal or prescription drugs, or leave school or home for months at a time without making contact with their families.

As more and more young men and women—especially college aged—are struggling with mental illness, very often, their behavior is ignored or misunderstood by those closest to them.

The Mental Health America website reports that, “An estimated 54 million Americans suffer from some form of mental disorder in a given year,” suggesting that most families are not prepared to deal will mental illness.

On the very informative MHA website, they include suggestions for the caregivers and family members who are closest to those struggling, as well as listing warning signs and symptoms of young children (hyperactivity and poor grades), adolescents (prolonged negative mood and defiance of authority) or adults (confused thinking, excessive fears, and social withdrawal). Most helpful are the complete lists of advocacy networks and educational resources supportive of a wide range of disorders.

If someone you love is struggling with mental illness, it’s important to get ahead of a situation versus ignore it, especially knowing your available options for seeking care or even hospitalization.

If we, as a larger community, can make one little change that will have a big result it would be to become compassionate (rather than judgmental) listeners to parents, teachers, or students who are facing mental illness. So often, the families of the struggler feel ashamed to talk about their loved one. They feel judged or misunderstood. If you are willing to listen, help research, and acknowledge the illness as treatable, rather than condemn it, the family will be less likely to hide it and more willing to get help.

Be encouraged (and say your prayers for the families impacted by this tragedy),

Becky