Hope Amidst the Struggle: Taking Control of Your Mental Well-Being

The episode addresses the pressing issue of a mental health epidemic, a phenomenon that appears to be pervasive across various demographics within our society. Craig Van Slyke articulates the alarming statistics that indicate a significant rise in mental health challenges, with adult mental illness rates escalating from 19.1% in 2018 to 23.1% by 2022. Through a candid examination of daily conversations and observed trends, we delve into the underlying factors contributing to this crisis, including a growing sense of uncertainty about the future. Importantly, the discussion emphasizes that, despite the daunting nature of these challenges, there exists an avenue for hope and improvement through actionable steps, such as seeking professional help and fostering self-compassion. By acknowledging these mental health struggles and taking proactive measures, we position ourselves not merely to cope, but to flourish in our lives.

The current landscape of mental health is fraught with alarming statistics and a growing sense of urgency. The data reveals that mental illness among adults in the United States has increased markedly, with 23.1% of adults, equating to 59.3 million individuals, grappling with some form of mental health issue as of 2022. This trend is not confined to a specific demographic; it spans various age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting a widespread societal concern that warrants immediate attention. Throughout the discourse, I reflect on my observations of the shifting attitudes towards mental health, noting a growing willingness among individuals to discuss their struggles and seek help. This shift, while positive, does not diminish the gravity of the situation, as the underlying causes of mental distress seem to be more prevalent than ever.

Amidst these troubling trends, I strive to offer listeners a sense of empowerment and hope. I delineate several pragmatic steps that individuals can take to enhance their mental health, emphasizing that the journey towards recovery is attainable, albeit requiring effort and persistence. The importance of seeking professional help is paramount; I assert that asking for assistance is a courageous step towards reclaiming one's mental well-being. In addition to professional help, I advocate for the cultivation of self-kindness and empathy, as these attributes can significantly mitigate feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness that often accompany mental health challenges. By embracing the idea that it is acceptable to seek help and to be gentle with oneself during difficult times, we can foster a supportive community that prioritizes mental health.

The conversation culminates in a call to action, urging individuals to not only acknowledge their struggles but also to take proactive measures to address them. I share valuable resources, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and other helplines, underscoring the importance of reaching out for support when needed. Mental health is an integral facet of a flourishing life, and I stress that by addressing these challenges head-on, we can lay a foundation for a more fulfilling existence, characterized by strong relationships and meaningful pursuits. The nexus between mental health and overall well-being cannot be overstated; thus, I implore listeners to prioritize their mental health and pursue the steps necessary for improvement.

Takeaways:

• The current societal discourse reveals troubling trends in mental health, warranting our urgent attention.
• Statistics indicate a significant rise in mental health issues, affecting millions across diverse demographics.
• Recognizing the importance of seeking help is paramount; it is a courageous act towards self-improvement.
• Taking control of one's mental health involves acknowledging struggles and actively pursuing appropriate resources.
• Individual and collective actions can lead

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Are we experiencing a mentalhealth epidemic?
The statistics are concerning,but even more telling are the conversations
happening in our daily lives.
In this episode, I'll explorewhat's really going on with mental
health in our society and moreimportantly, what we can do about
it.
Whether you're strugglingyourself or know someone who is,

(00:22):
you'll learn why there'salways hope and how taking action,
even small steps, can lead toreal improvement.
This is a quick postproduction note.
If you know of anybody that'shaving any mental health issues,
make sure you check out theresources that are in the show notes.
I talk about them right at theend of the episode.
Thanks.

(00:52):
Welcome to Live well andFlourish, where I help you understand
what it means to live aflourishing life.
I'm your host, Craig Van Slyke.
If you're ready to thinkbeyond material.
And external success, ifyou're ready to.
Take control of who you areand the kind of life you live, if
you're ready to flourish, thisis the podcast for you.
Something concerning ishappening with mental health in our

(01:14):
society.
More and more people seem tobe struggling, and I'm noticing it
in my daily interactions.
The signs are everywhere, fromcasual conversations to formal surveys.
In 2018, 19.1% of U.S.
adults, that's 46.7 millionpeople, suffered from a mental illness.

(01:36):
By 2022, the percentage hadshot up to 23.1%.
That's 59.3 million people.
That is not a healthy trend.
In my conversations withpeople, the signs of mental health
struggles range from subtlehints to direct discussions.
What's particularly strikingis how these challenges cut across

(01:59):
all demographics.
Age, gender, income levels andsocial backgrounds.
Frankly, I'm not sure what tothink about all of this.
Maybe I'm just more aware, butI think something important is going
on.
This seems to be a sharedhuman experience that cuts across
all boundaries.
There are a couple of ways tointerpret this situation.

(02:22):
Maybe we're not reallyexperiencing more mental health challenges.
People are just more open todiscussing them and getting professional
help.
And that's certainly part ofthe story and it's a positive development.
But I think something deeperis going on.
I've observed a growing senseof uncertainty about the future,

(02:42):
especially lately.
Although many of the youngprofessionals and students I work
with are still optimistic andenthusiastic about their futures,
others seem to be strugglingwith a loss of hope and direction.
They just seem to be kind oflost and unsure of how to think about
their place in the world.
Given these concerning trends,what can we do?

(03:04):
While the scope of the problemmight seem overwhelming.
There are some concrete stepswe can take, both individually and
collectively, that may help.
If you or someone you know isin poor mental health, the first
thing to do is to realize thatdespite how things may seem, the
situation is not hopeless.

(03:25):
Mental health can be improved.
Yeah, this can take a lot ofwork and time, but in all but some
very rare cases, mental healthproblems are treatable.
Second, seek help.
Even though therapy,thankfully, is no longer carrying
the same stigma it used to,many people are still reluctant to

(03:47):
ask for help.
Say it with me, it's okay toask for help.
In fact, it's more than okay.
It's a courageous act oftaking control to improve your well
being.
As I've discussed before,taking control is a sure way to reduce
anxiety, stress and feelingsof hopelessness.
Even small steps can add up tobig improvements.

(04:12):
Finally, be kind andempathetic not only to others, but
to yourself.
One factor that can start adownward mental health spiral is
a feeling that you ought to beable to snap out of whatever you're
experiencing without any help.
This leaves you frustrated andfeeling inadequate, which further

(04:32):
degrades your mental health.
It's a bad situation, onethat's all too common.
Here's my final point.
Asking for help is taking control.
When you ask for help, you'retaking a positive step towards improving
your mental health.
If that's not taking control,then I don't know what is.

(04:54):
Remember, taking care of yourmental health isn't just about avoiding
problems.
It's an essential part ofliving well and flourishing.
When you're mentally healthy,you're better able to pursue meaningful
goals, maintain strongrelationships, and contribute positively
to our communities.
By acknowledging mental healthchallenges and taking active steps

(05:16):
to address them, you're notjust solving problems, you're you're
creating the foundation for alife of purpose and fulfillment.
If you or someone you know issuffering a mental health crisis,
here are a few resources thatmight help.
These are going to be in theShow Notes.
Show notes are available atlivewellandflourish.com the 988 Lifeline

(05:40):
is kind of like 911 for mental health.
Calling 988 will connect thecaller with one of 200 crisis centers
who are ready and able toprovide help.
The Substance Abuse and MentalHealth Services Administration operates
a national helpline called 1-800-662-HELP.

(06:02):
That's 1-800-662-4357.
When you call that number, youcan speak directly with a counselor.
And finally, the AmericanPsychological association has a directory
of crisis hotlines andresources this is a long one.
Sorry.
Go to apa.org topics crisishotlines again.

(06:28):
There'll be a link in the shownotes before closing.
I want to urge anyone who'shaving mental health issues, even
just increased stress in yourlife, to do something about it.
One of the best things you cando, and I know I've said this before,
is, is to get help.
Reach out to a professional orreach out to a friend.

(06:49):
So if you or someone you knowis having even small mental health
issues, please seek help orencourage them to seek help.
Until next time, stay well, my friends.