CFNN Reporter Ava Nelson

Do you know someone who struggles with mental health? Do you struggle with mental health yourself? If so, you should know October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening/Education Month, as well as ADHD Awareness Month. That means that October is used to spread awareness for Mental health and ADHD.

Do you know what ADHD is? You’ve probably overheard the acronym in discussions, but do you really know what it is? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a chronic condition, which means you can’t cure it, but it can be treated with medication. 

ADHD is commonly thought of as a little kid’s problem. You know, the kids who are super hyper and not able to sit still. Though that is common, it’s not all it is. ADHD can start at any age and continue into old age. Common symptoms of ADHD include aggression, excitability, fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, irritability, lack of restraint, persistent repetition of words or actions, absent-mindedness, difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, problem paying attention, short attention span, anger, anxiety, boredom, excitement, or mood swings. People with ADHD often suffer from depression, anxiety, learning disability, sensory processing disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.

Girls and boys experience ADHD differently.  Girls don’t have the 🙶typical🙷 ADHD behavior which causes ADHD to be underdiagnosed in girls. The symptoms are not as obvious as they are in boys. These symptoms include: being withdrawn, low self esteem, anxiety, intellectual impairment, difficulty with academic achievement, inattentiveness or tendency to 🙶daydream.🙷 In boys common symptoms include; impulsivity, 🙶acting out,🙷 hyperactivating such as running and hitting, lack of focus including attentiveness, inability to sit still, physical aggression, talking excessively, and frequently interrupting other people’s conversations and activities.

Mental Health is classified as a person’s well being psychologically and emotionally. Your mental health is important, and you should pay attention to warning signs of some suffering in the mental health department. Teenagers often suffer from mental health issues, mental illness fall under the mental health category. The most common mental illnesses in youth include depression, anxiety, and behavior disorders.

 🙶What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.🙷 – Glenn Close, An American actress. 

Depression is a very common disorder, it is feelings of severe despondency and dejection. 20% to 30% of adolescents suffer from depression. Though depression was once considered an 🙶adult🙷 affiliation, the main age of onset today is 15. 

Remember that your mental health is a priority! Get ready to celebrate October and get Education on mental health, depression, and ADHD. Don’t forget improving and taking care of your mental health is good for you and good for others, encourage your friends and family to get educated as well.