“Health is Wealth”

Sep 2019 09

Navajo Nation Suicide Prevention Week – Mental Health Monday

On Monday, September 9, 2019 the Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services (DBMHS) will be hosting a Health is Wealth Fair at the Navajo Nation Fair Grounds from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. DBMHS will provide information and resources to promote mental health in our Navajo Nation communities and families.

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing – how we think, feel, and behave. Mental health disorder can affect daily life, relationships, physical health and a person’s ability to enjoy life – to attain a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

Mental health problems can include but not limited to mental disorders, emotional disorder, mental illness, nervous breakdown, and burnout. Mental health problems are more common than heart disease, lung disease, and cancer combined (MHFA, 2015).

According to the CDC, in the United States an estimated 50% of all Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime (cdc.gov). It is estimated that one in five Americans will experience a mental disorder sometime in the year or will encounter someone in their family, workplace, school, or community who have been diagnosed or experiencing distress.

Common misconceptions of mental disorders are signs of weakness or personality flaws and people with mental disorders are violent. Today, stigma is one of the biggest barriers to individuals seeking treatment and is the biggest barrier to recovery and many choose to suffer in silence rather than face the ridicule of seeking help.

DBMHS encourages everyone to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health by getting trained in Mental Health First Aid by calling 928-871-6240. DBMHS also encourages everyone to enhance their mental health by getting on a healthy regimen of diet, practicing self-esteem, and exercising at least two times per week.