Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.
Good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Throughout your life, if you experience mental health issues, they can affect your thinking, mood and behavior.
Factors that contribute to mental health problems
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health conditions
Living with mental health problems is common, but we can help you address them. With the right support and care, you can learn to manage your condition. Our goal is to help you recover.
Symptoms of a mental health condition
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with a mental health condition? Look for the early warning signs of a problem. If you or a loved one experiences one or more of the following feelings or behaviors, consider consulting your doctor to find out how to get help.
- Eating or sleeping too much or too little
- Pulling away from people and usual activities
- Having low or no energy
- Feeling numb or like nothing matters
- Having unexplained aches and pains
- Feeling helpless or hopeless
- Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual
- Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried or scared
- Yelling or fighting with family and friends
- Experiencing severe mood swings that disrupt relationships
- Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head
- Thinking of harming yourself or others
- Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school
- Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
Symptoms of depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition, but our professionals can help you treat it. Often, depression begins with a deep sense of sadness, despair, or a lack of joy or interest. If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, they may also have these symptoms:
- Change of appetite
- Weight gain or loss
- Trouble remembering or concentrating
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness
- Feelings of anxiety
- Decreased activity
- Unexplained headaches or physical pain
- Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you can spot the warning signs and symptoms of depression and help someone get needed treatment, you can change that person’s life — and maybe even save it.
Major warning signs of suicide
Over 70% of those who die by suicide showed warning signs, such as:
- A previous attempt
- Talking or writing about death or suicide
- Change of behavior
- Past or present substance abuse
- Family history of depression or suicide
- Symptoms of depression
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is about to act on a suicidal thought, dial 988 for help. The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides confidential crisis support 24/7.
Mental illness and substance use disorder assessments
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health issue or substance use disorder, call Riverside Mental Health & Recovery Center at 757-827-3119. We’ll give you confidential mental health assessments and referrals, and we’ll help you connect with appropriate resources in the community.