You say, “either,” and I say, “neither” – it’s all in the way we use words sometimes. When we talk about mental illness we sometimes use words like “conditions.” The words are interchangeable. More recently we describe mental illness as “behavioral health.” On the other hand, we talk about “disorders.” Whatever we choose to say, the bottom line is we (at NAMI) are talking about mental “health” and diseases that impact our behaviors.
All of us should be concerned about out mental health, for it is our brain, the most important organ in our body, that we are speaking about. No one’s mental health is perfect, we all have hang-ups. But in general, good mental health is when we can meet the demands of the day, function positively, and get along with others. When our brain does not function as it should and we cannot function properly for two weeks or more, it is time to talk to your family doctor. There may be a lot of reasons why we find ourselves not being able to manage daily stressors; it could indicate a problem.
According to the medical dictionary, behavioral health describes the connection between the body and mind. The term is often interchangeable with mental illness and/or poor mental health. Symptoms of poor mental health can be related to having a mental disorder. Having sleep issues, problems maintaining relationships are common to illnesses such as depression and anxiety as well as others like bipolar disorders and those more severe like schizophrenia. According to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration), the impact of untreated behavioral health conditions on individuals’ lives and the cost of health care delivery in the United States is staggering (SAMHSA.gov). Treatment of behavioral health in the United States has long left something to be desired.
An initiative by agencies such as SAMHSA is to bring about change as to how behavioral health conditions are viewed – “we will need to view behavioral health as we do any other health issue,” says SAMHSA. “As a consequence, systems, financing, laws, and structures will have to change to incorporate and respond appropriately to these new understandings.” NAMI, NAMI Ohio and all its affiliates supports this initiative and have been working diligently with government legislators; locally with some success to take a step in the right direction! - Our Ohio governor’s 2022-23 budget, recently passed, includes “Recovery Ohio,” an initiative and investment in our citizens having behavioral health and substance abuse disorders.
In Crisis? If you need help reach out – dial 2-1-1 for help or Get Help Now at 1-855-291-8133.
Submitted by: Dodie Melvin, Director
NAMI Knox Licking County Ohio
740-397-3088
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