Riverside Healthcare | The Journey | Fall 2023

12 RiversideHealthcare.org Mental health: Get the facts Millions of people are affected by a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. If you’re among them, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. “Acknowledging we are not alone when it comes to our mental health is important,” says Khalid Arshad, MD, with Riverside Psychiatric Specialists. “There are many misconceptions around the topic of mental health, which makes it challenging for people to access care. Understanding how stress can affect not only your mental health, but also your overall physical health and well-being, is a key factor to optimize and maintain your quality of life.” Yet, misinformation still spreads that might prevent someone from seeking the treatment they need—see the mythbusters below. Getting help First, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). “Talking to your PCP about feelings such as anxiety or depression is an important step to getting a referral to a mental health professional,” says Dr. Arshad. FACT A mental health disorder isn’t like a regular illness. You could just snap out of it if you tried. Like a physical illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, a mental health disorder requires treatment. It’s important to see your doctor. Mental health treatment can include taking medication; talking with a mental health professional; and getting support from friends, family or others with the same condition. Each can be an important tool in the recovery process. MYTH Symptoms must be extreme for an individual to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Symptoms of a mental health disorder don’t have to be life-threatening. They can just be something you notice on a regular basis, such as having changes in your sleeping habits, feeling tired or having low energy, feeling excessively sad or low, experiencing excessive worrying or fear, avoiding friends and social activities, and having trouble concentrating or learning. FACT MYTH FACT Mental health disorders just affect how you feel. They don’t impact your overall health. Mental health disorders can affect your physical health. People with depression, for example, have a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease than people without depression. Depression also increases your risk of diabetes and stroke. Preventing physical illness is another reason to seek mental health help. MYTH Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness Khalid Arshad, MD

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