OASH

Resources like OASH can provide information on the science, understanding, and treatment of mental illness that will affect all humans at some point in time. Ignoring our needs will not resolve the problem. Accepting that life can be traumatic and we don’t have to suffer in silence can end up saving lives.

“Good mental health is essential to overall well-being. More than 1 in 5 women in the United States experienced a mental health condition in the past year, such as depression or anxiety. Many mental health conditions, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect more women than men or affect women in different ways from men. Most serious mental health conditions cannot be cured. But they can be treated, so you can get better and live well.

If you’re experiencing a change in your thoughts, behaviors, or moods that is interfering with your work or relationships for longer than 2 weeks, you may have a mental health condition. It can be difficult to tell whether you have a mental health condition if you feel sadness, anxiety, or other intense emotions most of the time. Many mental health conditions appear early in life, usually before 25 years old.

Symptoms of a mental health condition can include extreme anxiety most of the time, feelings of hopelessness about everything, or drug or alcohol abuse.

If you are in any doubt about your mental health, reach out to your doctor or nurse, a mental health professional, or a trusted loved one for help. If you have health insurance, this type of health care might be called “behavioral health” by your insurance plan. Many insurance plans call problems with drug or alcohol misuse “substance abuse” services.” - OASH website