Shining The Light On Mental Health
- May 20, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 3, 2024
Erin Reiland is a Certified Disordered Eating/Anxiety, Breathwork and NLP Trauma Coach. She helps women overcome their struggles with food, its underlying causes and begin to live a purposeful life with lasting recovery.
May is mental health awareness month, and it is an important time to be open and candid on the importance of people’s mental well-being and to break the stigmas surrounding seeking help for mental health issues.
I struggled with an eating disorder, depression and anxiety for decades and it was the support I received from professionals and loved ones that made the difference in me recovering. Without the proper help, mental health struggles go untreated and affect not only the person who is experiencing these things, but everyone around them.
It is important to know and understand statistics surrounding mental health. The more we actually know and see this information, the better able we can be to help others or yourself.
According to current statistics
1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness each year.
In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care.
Anxiety disorders are the highest reported mental health issue in the U.S. with 42.5 million Americans suffering from this illness.
Mental health illness rates were significantly higher for adolescents (about 50%) and young adults (about 30%).
Almost 800 million people suffer from mental health disorders worldwide.
Speaking personally from my own experience with mental health and having an eating disorder, I know how hard it can be to navigate and even know what to do and how hard it can be to reach out to anyone for support.
My eating disorder was the way my past trauma, depression, and anxiety manifested itself. I struggled for two decades, and my disorder almost killed me. I am grateful that I recovered and am now supporting others with working through their own mental health struggles.
Many times, I felt hopeless or shame and guilt that I just couldn’t be happy and “normal”. What I know is, that accepting I was struggling and experiencing depression and anxiety helped in my healing. Learning how to recognize my emotions and feelings and having the tools to deal with those feelings in a healthy way, was one of the things that helped me.
Also knowing in those dark moments to reach out to my support system and that I was NOT alone in life.
Tips to improve mental well-being
Practicing self-care (whatever that means for you. Maybe it’s taking time to read a book, go for a walk, a hobby you enjoy...), getting regular movement or exercise, maintaining a healthy and balanced nutrition routine, seeking professional help when needed, and staying connected with supportive people. There are many organizations that will have virtual support groups, or in person for a variety of mental health “issues”.
How to support someone with any mental health situation
If you know someone who is struggling with depression or any other mental health issue, it's important to offer a listening ear and sometimes that’s all. Try not to “fix” what they are saying because a lot of times just listening is one of the most powerful things you can do. Show empathy and understanding, encourage them to seek professional help, and check in on them regularly to show your support. (Of course, if you feel someone is in immediate danger, please call the emergency mental health line at 988 and they can direct you on what to do). Sometimes a support person may not want to upset the person who is in a crisis, but in the end, you may be saving their life by getting them help.
There is still so much stigma surrounding mental health, or admitting you need extra support, and taking the steps to get that help. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
To learn more about my own journey with mental health and eating disorders check out a past article I wrote. HOPE is the way to healing. Click here.
6 ways to access mental health support
If you or someone you know is having a mental health crisis they can call or text the suicide and crisis hotline: 988. (If 911 is not immediately needed, this is the other best option). It is anonymous and unlike 911, no one will know or having that worry someone may show up at your door.
Crisis Text Line: By texting "HELLO" to 741741, individuals can connect with a crisis counselor for immediate support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers a variety of resources, support groups, and educational programs for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
Mental Health America: Mental Health America provides screening tools, resources, and information on mental health conditions.
Talkspace: Talkspace offers online therapy services with licensed therapists for those who prefer virtual counseling sessions.
The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
The data included in this article comes from the National Institute of Mental Health, Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness, John Hopkins Medicine, and the Center for Disease Control
Erin Reiland, Disordered Eating & Mental Health Coach
Erin Reiland is a Certified Disordered Eating/Anxiety, Breathwork and NLP Trauma Coach. She helps women overcome their struggles with food, its underlying causes and begin to live a purposeful life with lasting recovery.
She is the creator of InBody_Love Coaching, where she supports and guides women to heal their past trauma, anxiety and disordered eating. Erin had a battle for over 20 years with a severe eating disorder and experiencing early childhood trauma. Since recovering, she has made it her mission to help others with their mental health.
She is a Certified Breathwork Practitioner, using breath to heal past trauma, negative emotions and pain stuck within the body.
