White Mountain Apache Regional Behavioral Health Authority

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You should be aware of signs of behavioral health problems, so you can get the help you need.

• More than 70% of Americans felt symptoms of depression in the weeks following the terrorist attacks.
• Depression can be successfully treated more than 80% of the time.
• About 13% of children between 9 and 17 years old have an anxiety disorder.
• Between 3 and 5% prcent of school-age children have attention-deficit disorder.
• Every hour and 45 minutes another young person commits suicide.
• The suicide rate among Native American adolescents and young adults accounts for 64% of all Native American suicides.
• Between 28 and 30% of the U.S. population has a mental health disorder, substance abuse disorder, or both.

• Regular worry or irratability
• Regular sadness
• Anger, aggression, or verbal sarcasm
• Frequent temper tantrums
• Overreaction to criticism
• Guilt for no good reason
• Helplessness or hopelessness
• Low self-esteem
• Changes in sleep or regular nightmares
• Changes in your appetite
• Pessimistic about the future
• Decreased attendance in school or things you used to enjoy
• Extreme changes between talkativeness and quietness
• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you experience several of these symptoms ongoing for two weeks, GET HELP. Don't ignore them. Talk to your primary care physician or mental health professional.

       First Aid For Your Mental Health…
Do things one at a time – avoid the superman urge
Talk it out – find a level-headed person you can trust Escape for awhile – find a quiet spot away from others
Work off your anger – try physical activity or do a hobby
Make time for fun – laugh, smile, relax
Do something for others – take your mind off yourself
Know your limits – learn to accept what is
Take care of yourself – eat well and rest
Give in occasionally – admit you can be wrong
Take deep breaths or even cry – relieve some anxiety
Avoid self-medication – alcohol, prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs
Avoid perfectionism – pat yourself on the back for what you can do well

This information provided by:
Apache Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
249 West Ponderosa
Whiteriver, AZ 85941