MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH & ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH

Symptoms of Mental Illness Include:

• Excessive worrying or feeling excessively sad or low
• Trouble falling asleep or sleeping much more than usual
• Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance
• Lack of concentration / inability to focus
• Losing interest in usual activities
• Avoiding friends and social situations
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Loss of desire to eat or have sex
• Low self esteem
• Prolonged feelings of irritability or anger
• Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes
• Hopelessness or thoughts of suicide

If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 911 immediately.

May is also Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month. Asthma is one of the most common long-term diseases of children, but adults can have it too. Asthma symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness. Asthma is a serious health concern that can even be life threatening – but it doesn’t have to be! With appropriate medical care and self management most people with asthma can lead a normal, active life.

If you have asthma, we recommend that you speak to your healthcare practitioner to develop or review your asthma action plan so that you know how to manage your condition. More information is available at www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm.

Test your knowledge on asthma by taking this brief quiz.

This information is provided by the CDC, WHO, NAMI, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and the Asthma & Allergy Foundation.