How to prioritize mental health

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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - More than 1 in 5 U.S adults live with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so we are discuss how you can prioritize your mental health.

In 2021, there were an estimated 57.8 million adults in the U.S with any mental illness. Here in southwest Louisiana, major events like COVID and hurricanes can have an impact on your mental health.

"Your going to see an increase in anxiety, of course when people lose, have the losses that they've had over the past couple years, that's going to increase depression and of course the uncertainty with the current economic climate also factors in to what we are experiencing here in southwest Louisiana," Counselor, Joel Daugherty said.

Counselor Joel Daugherty, owner of Lake Area Counseling says there are four things you can do to prioritize your mental health. Good diet, exercise, sleep, and sun.

"They've done studies about how bright, early morning sunlight especially has a very invigorating effect on the brain, so to wake up in the morning to take that cup of coffee and even five or ten minutes in that direct sunlight that can really help," Daugherty said.

Daugherty also suggests journaling, he says its a good exercise for people to make sure they are getting the thoughts that are inside, outside. From anxiety to depression, anyone has the potential for mental health issues.

According to "SAVE", Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, a persons vulnerability to suicidal thoughts can significantly be contributed to mental illnesses.

"I think just in the time that we live in, just with so much pressure from so many angles, financially and then socially and then especially with youth, the pressure to conform. I think that suicide rates that still a danger for a lot of people," Daugherty said.

Over the years, there's been a stigma around mental health. Daugherty says the topic of mental health is discussed more than ever and as May is Mental Health Awareness Month. He says its important the discussion continues.

"Because we want to destigmatize the negative feelings that have often been associated around mental health and counseling," Daugherty said.

If you do feel like your mental health is challenged, Daugherty says to reach out and get help. He says an evaluation never hurts.

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