Blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature…

These are our commonly known vital signs. But our mental health is another vital sign that’s just as important.

When something is wrong with our mental wellness, it can affect our physical wellness too. It can lead to higher blood pressure, weight gain or loss, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. Beyond the physical, mental health issues can affect relationships with family and friends, job performance and even how we deal with life on a daily basis. Even happy occasions can be stressful if you’re not mentally well.

Just like any other ailment, it’s completely normal to see your healthcare provider if something is wrong. And similar to a physical check up each year, checking up on your mental wellness is vital to your health.
HELMS

— the art contest

The mental health is vital art contest

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Mental Health is Vital Art Contest! All artwork is available for bidding through the online auction at the link below. 

Overall Winner
Alivia Rodver
Winner – Paint Category Age 15-18
Alivia Rodver
Winner – Mixed Media Category Age 15-18
Hope Bruner and Trinity Wendt
Winner – Paint Category Age 18+
Melissa Finnegin
Winner – Mixed Media Category Age 18+
Christine M. Smith

enter art contest now
helms foundation
wellness quiz

— It’s time for your

Mental Wellness
checkup.

ANXIETY

Do you have feelings of worry, stress, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite or fatigue?

click if yes
Anxiety is a very normal feeling toward fear and worry. In fact anxiety disorders are the most common mental conditions in the U.S. affecting over 40 million people.

OCD

Have you experienced uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts and behaviors you have the urge to repeat over and over?

click if yes
An estimated 3 million Americans have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD can be mild but about 50% of people living with OCD can have serious impairment.

Bipolar Disorder

Do you experience extreme shifts in moods, energy and productivity?

click if yes
2.8 million Americans are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder can affect our families, friends and even our jobs if not treated.

Depression

Do you have any feelings of sadness or hopelessness, trouble thinking, concentrating or remembering things?

click if yes
Depression affects one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical health. Left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. 17.3 million American adults (7.1% of the U.S. population 18 or older) are affected by depression.

Trauma/PTSD

Have you experienced an event or events that have left you with physical or emotional pain?

click if yes
Brought on by traumatic events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be long-lasting. 70% of adults have experienced a traumatic event. About 9 million people will develop PTSD from those events.

ADHD

Do you have trouble concentrating, staying organized, forgetting to complete tasks or having difficulty staying still?

click if yes
ADHD is a lot more common than you think and is severely underdiagnosed. About 4% of the population over 18 deal with ADHD on a daily basis.

— OUR MISSION IS To communicate

the importance of
mental wellness,

Promote the recognition of mental health as our 5th critical vital sign,
and increase recognition of the ease of access to care.

 

— Prognosis: Hope

1 in 5 people experience mental health issues.

The good news?

Help isn’t hard to find. The first step is talking about it.

Mental illness is a health condition. And just like most health conditions it’s treatable.

Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or religion, or income level. But many are afraid to talk about it. The more we talk about our mental health, the more we’ll be able to start living as a mentally healthier community.

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