Mental health is an important part of your overall health and wellness. It affects every area of a person’s life, including relationships, work, and physical health.
About half of all people in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their life. For some, deciding to seek treatment can involve getting past a fear of stigma. But mental health disorders are not a sign of personal weakness. People need support for their mental health in the same way they do for their physical health.
With the help of treatment, services, and community support, people with mental health disorders can improve their well-being and live full, meaningful lives.
What is a mental health disorder?
Mental health disorders are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, mood or behavior. There are different types of disorders, and they can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, a mental health disorder interferes with a person’s life and their ability to function.
What mental health services are available through Vaya Health?
All Vaya members and recipients have access to services to help with mental health issues. The specific services available depend on your health plan and your needs.
Most mental health services are delivered in the community, not in a hospital. These are called outpatient services. They include things like getting counseling from a local therapist, visiting a psychiatrist to discuss medication, or receiving help from a peer support specialist who has lived experience with mental health issues.
Some outpatient services are for people with more intensive mental health needs, like Assertive Community Treatment or help from a Community Support Team.
Other types of services include inpatient, crisis, and residential care. Your Member or Recipient Handbook lists mental health services that may be available to you. You can also call our Member and Recipient Service Line at 1-800-962-9003.
What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue?
It can be hard to recognize the difference between common behaviors, thoughts, and feelings and the symptoms of a mental health disorder. Mental health disorders sometimes interfere with how people feel about themselves, how they interact with other people, and how well they manage daily tasks, like working or taking care of responsibilities.
Each mental health disorder has its own symptoms. Common signs can include:
- Intense worrying or fear
- Rapid or dramatic shifts in mood
- Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- Difficulty in handling daily activities, including work, school, and social activities
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite or unplanned weight loss or gain
- Increased irritability, anger, or frustration
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Neglect of personal care and hygiene
- Unexplained physical ailments, including headaches and stomach aches
- Increased use of alcohol and drugs
- Delusions or hallucinations
- Thinking about self-harm, suicide, or harming others
How do I know when to seek help?
Knowing signs and symptoms of mental health disorders can help you understand if you should get help. If you have concerns, reach out.
You can also take an online mental health screening to see if you have symptoms of a disorder. The tests are free, quick, and confidential.
A health care provider, such as a psychiatrist or other mental health professional, is qualified to assess symptoms, diagnose mental health disorders, and help develop a treatment plan. Your primary care provider can also help you some mental health disorders and can make recommendations for further care if needed.
What causes mental health disorders?
A mental health condition usually isn’t caused by a single event, but by a combination of risk factors and causes. Anyone can develop a mental health disorder.
Some common risk factors include:
- Family history (genetics)
- Stress
- Traumatic life events
- Adverse childhood experiences
- Social isolation or loneliness
- Poverty
- Abuse
- Physical illness or chronic conditions
- Lack of access to health care
- Lack of access to housing
- Unemployment or employment stress
- Interpersonal violence
- Use of addictive substances, like drugs or alcohol
What are some ways mental health disorders are treated?
Treatments and supports for mental health disorders include medication, therapy, social support, lifestyle changes, and education about how to manage a mental health condition.
Treatment choices are not the same for everyone. Even people with the same diagnosis may have different experiences, needs, and goals for their care.
What are some other resources for mental health available outside of Vaya?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- NAMI North Carolina
- North Carolina State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (includes members with mental health disorders)
- North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
- North Carolina Peer Warmline: 1-855-PEERS-NC (talk to a peer support specialist)
