Dakota Center for Independent Living

Dakota Center for Independent Living

Mental Health Awareness Month #5

Autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests itself in children.  Traits of autism include delayed language development, hindered social skills, persistent fixation of physical objects, and overall problems with communication.  Asperger’s is a sub-category of autism.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression affects women who have just given birth.  it can range from moderate to severe.  Giving birth brings about all sorts of new changes and emotions, and many women experience the blues, but diagnosed Postpartum depression is more intense and full-blown.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses.

Serve mental illnesses such a schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely emerge out of the blue.  Instead, family, friends, teachers, co-workers, or the individuals themselves start to notice that something is not quite right gradually.

Signs and Symptoms to Be Careful About.

Problems with concentration, memory, or  logical thought and speech that you haven’t experienced in the past.

Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, or smells as well as an overwhelming feeling to avoidance of over-stimulating situations.

When should treatment begin?

As soon as possible!  There are clinics that specialize in mental health disorders around the country, testing is normally scheduled relatedly quickly.

Mental Illness and Suicide.

Mental health studies conclude that people with poor mental health are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide.  Every year in the United States, more than 36,000 individuals die by suicide while hundreds of thousands more attempt it.  More often than not, these occurrences are due to chemical imbalances in the brain.  Here are some tips for dealing with suicidal thoughts:

KNOW that help is always there.  Seek the help of a counselor or call a suicide help-line.  Death is not the answer and will not solve your problems.  There is hope for you.

ALWAYS take your medication.  Individuals who are prescribed antipsychotic medications should under no circumstances stop their medication unless otherwise directed by a physician.