JABSOM Library: Library Updates

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! It is a necessary time to promote awareness and understanding of mental health and to reduce stigma. We encourage everyone to prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed. 

Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important?

Mental Health Awareness Month is important because it highlights the prevalence of mental health disorders and their impact on individuals, families, and communities. Mental health disorders affect millions worldwide, and the stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and receiving the support they need. Promoting awareness and understanding of mental health can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to prioritize their health. We can also use this opportunity to promote outreach and awareness events, which can help support research and connect advocates to create a more promising future for mental health care.

What are some common mental disorders?

Did you know that 1 in every eight people has a mental disorder? According to WHO, 970 million people worldwide lived with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. (1) Prevention and treatments exist, although most people cannot access adequate care. (1) Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Some of the most common mental health disorders include:

• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety is a normal stress reaction and can be beneficial in some cases, but anxiety disorders differ because it involves excessive fear or anxiety. Different types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders. (2)
• Depression: Depression causes severe symptoms, including persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, and can affect 1 in 15 adults (6.7%) in any given year. (3)
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder affects a person's mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, making it hard to perform daily tasks. (4)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Some symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. (5) 
• Eating Disorders: Eating disorders involve abnormal eating habits, such as restrictive or binge eating. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder. (6)

What are some ways I can prioritize my mental health?

Prioritizing your mental health is essential for your overall well-being. Some ways to prioritize your mental health include

1. Seeking Help: If you are experiencing mental health disorder symptoms, seeking help is essential. This could mean talking to your doctor, a mental health professional, or a trusted friend or family member.

2. Practice Self-Care: Self-care is any activity that promotes physical, emotional, or mental well-being. This could include getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques, and engaging in hobbies or activities you enjoy.

3. Connect with Others: Social connections are essential for mental health. Try to connect with friends, family, or a support group. If you struggle to communicate with others, consider joining an online community or contacting a mental health professional.

4. Manage Stress: Stress can take a toll on mental health. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness.

What can JABSOM do to help you?

Medical school can be one of the most challenging but fulfilling experiences during higher education. The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) strives to create a supportive and caring environment for you as students, faculty, and staff, to help your personal growth, awareness, and care. OSA offers various wellness support, such as general counseling and services, workshops, and activities. You can check out some of their student wellness information, services, and support here.

If you need a study break, visit us at the library! We have various wellness activities available for you to "destress," including puzzles, coloring books, and rock painting. We are also food and drink-friendly! You are welcome to eat and drink in the computer lab, study rooms, and common area, but make sure you bring your water bottles ONLY into the stacks.

Resources:

(1) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders

(2) https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders

(3) https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression

(4) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder

(5) https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

(6) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders