Are you Inside Out?

Photo by Rodney Latham

The Pixar movie “Inside Out” is about a little girl, Riley, whose emotions get all twisted around and she becomes depressed. Throughout the movie, her emotions work together to get Riley’s emotions back to normal. This movie was focused on mental health and became a nominee for best animated feature film. It gives you a small idea of the danger and signs of depression. There are many different mental health disorders that you may or may not be familiar with.

ADD, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, depression and many others are prime mental health disorders. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in every five children between ages 13 and 18 suffer from a mental illness. This means it is very likely you know someone who is suffering from a mental illness and has never informed anyone of it. It is also very common that someone suffering from a metal health illness finds themselves falling into addiction.

Mental illness does not just happen to a person due to their race or age, it can affect anyone at any time. College-aged students are at a higher risk of developing depression by 60% more than adults who are 50 years or older. Some symptoms to look for are changes in sleep and appetite. The people who are suffering also become more fatigued and lose interest in things they used to love. Their self-esteem lowers dramatically, and they feel they are hopeless. It is important as a friend or a bystander who begins to notice these signs to notify someone who can help such as a counselor, professor or even a local mental health center.

Anxiety can be a good thing to have in small doses. It is what keeps us aware of our surroundings and helps us avoid some incidences. Society has created a stereotype that women tend to worry more about a lot of things, often times too much, but in fact women are 60% more likely to develop anxiety disorder than men are. There are emotional and physical symptoms that come along with anxiety. Emotionally, a person with anxiety becomes dreadful and fear what could happen and expecting the worst outcome. Physically, they may feel their heart racing often, stomach pains, sweating and headaches. There are a few different types of anxiety disorders which can be diagnosed by a doctor.

Another common disorder that many people are familiar with is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder also known as ADHD. NAMI says that 9% of children and 5% of adults suffer from ADHD. Behaviors to look out for are being easily distracted, having trouble completing and turning things in, impulsive behavior, non-stop talking, difficultly being quiet and impatience. There are medications someone can be prescribed, as well as therapy options for a person to get help for their disorder.

Mental illnesses are very serious and can also lead to suicide. Nearly 90% of suicide victims had some kind of a mental illness that they could just not overcome. When you see any negative signs of mental illnesses, it may be a good idea to assist that person in seeking help. Locally, you can contact Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (Douglas County) at 785-843-9192 or Elizabeth Layton Center (Franklin and Miami Counties) at 800-241-1266. Even if you just have questions you would like to be answered, they may be able to help you.

Unlike the movie "Inside Out," the mind can't always help itself.