May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Dr. Sharon Minott-Warren and our team at Bellaire Periodontics wanted to raise mental health awareness and the importance of taking care of ourselves and our loved ones!
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Mental Health Awareness
Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that those suffering from mental health issues deserve care, understanding, compassion, hope, which ultimately gives them the opportunity to heal and recover.
There are many mental illnesses including:
- Alzheimer
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation
- Eating Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Suicide Thoughts
Mental Health & Depression Consequences
Dr. Sharon Minott-Warren and team at Bellaire Periodontics believe that taking care of our mental health is important. Stress, anxiety, confusion, fear and worry all are factors that can lead to mental illness.
There are red flags in knowing if someone is suffering from depression or other mental illnesses:
- Someone is not taking care of themselves
- Someone is missing their dental and/or medical appointments
- Someone is not keeping up with their oral and physical hygiene
If you know anyone that is showing signs of mental illness, let them know they are not alone and offer to help them get back on track.
How to Help
If you know anyone suffering from mental health, it is important to be able to speak to them in a way where they don’t feel judged and know you are truly there for them.
Tips for talking about mental health
Set time aside for a conversation with no distractions
It is important to provide an open and non-judgemental space during your conversation with someone you think may be suffering from a mental illness.
Let them share as much as they want to
Let them lead the conversation and don’t pressure them to tell you anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Everyone has their own pace. Opening up to someone takes a lot of trust and courage.
Don't make a diagnosis
It is important to leave a medical diagnosis for a medical expert, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Offer your support, but remember to avoid making assumptions.
Use open-ended questions
Remember to use a neutral language and don’t ask too many questions. When asking questions, only use open-ended questions such as, "Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?"
Talk about self-care and well-being
Try to be as positive as you can and give advice on ways to remain stress-free and to practice oral and physical self-care.
Offer to exercise with them, encourage a healthy diet, and highlight the importance of sleep. These tips will help protect mental health.Listen carefully
Show you understand how they feel. Also, let them know you respect their feelings.
Offer them support in asking for a professional’s help
Offer to visit the doctor with them. Remember-don’t be controlling and allow them to make decisions. Know that there are limits in what you can do. It is crucial to ask for help, especially if the problem is serious.
If you believe someone is in danger or needs medical attention, you need to take action immediately and make sure they are safe.
To learn more about mental health awareness, don’t forget to visit:
National Institute of Mental Health
If you are ready to be proactive about your oral and gum health in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Month, please call Bellaire Periodontics at (713) 636-9734 or contact us online to find out how our periodontist can help you.