It’s OK to Not Be OK: 6 Mental Health Reminders Everyone Needs to Hear by Sophia L. Thomas, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PPCNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP

Mental health is a complicated equation. It’s the product of your emotional, psychological and social well-being, and it affects how you think, feel and act. Mental health problems are so common they outnumber most other risks for serious health conditions, but the feeling that “it’s not OK to not be OK” causes many to ignore symptoms.

Don’t be fooled by the silence! Here are six realities that everyone should understand:

• One in five adults experience a mental health condition each year.

• Mental health issues impact people of all races and ethnicities, but minorities have the hardest time accessing care.

• Anxiety disorders are the most common, affecting 40 million people each year.
  

• Just because you don’t hear about mental health problems, doesn’t mean people are not suffering. Less than half seek treatment, and minorities are the least likely to get help.

• Mental illness happens at any age. More than half occur by age 14.

• Highly successful people like Abe Lincoln, J.K. Rowling and Oprah Winfrey have openly dealt with mental health issues.

It’s OK to not be OK – most of us can relate! If you suspect you are suffering with mental health issues, talk to your nurse practitioner or health-care provider. To learn more, visit WeChooseNPS.org.

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