Elaine Hart-Brothers, MD, MPH, FACP and Board President of the Community Health Coalition, Inc. states, “People who are obese often exhibit mental health problems which can result in anger, aggressive behavior, excessive eating, stress and substance abuse! Feeling sad over the holidays is not unusual. We often miss loved ones and relationships during the holiday. In a positive joyful way, try to remember the true meaning of the spiritual holiday. Overeating carbs, fats and adding calories are not healthy ways to cope.”
Obesity in African Americans
According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, America’s Children – 2010, African American youth are 1.3 times as likely to be obese as Non- Hispanic White youth.
In 2010, Durham County Health Center served 486 individuals with mental health issues and 14% were consumers with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. The Durham Community Health Assessment selected obesity as the number one priority this year.
Depression and obesity are very real and serious problems for children, teens and adults.
- The presence of childhood depression and obesity tend to be a predictor of more severe illnesses in adulthood. A child with depression may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent. Older children may get into trouble at school, be negative and irritable, and feel misunderstood. If the behavior persists, seek advice from mental health professionals.
- An obese adult often has serious physical health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, gout, sleep apnea and heart disease. One in 8 people with diabetes also have depression.
Warning Signs of Mental Illness:
Confused Thinking Long-lasting Sadness or Irritability Extreme Highs and Lows in Mood Excessive Eating Excessive Fear, Worry, or Anxiety Social Withdrawal Dramatic Changes in Eating or Sleeping Habits Strong Feelings of Anger Delusions or Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there) Inability to Cope with Daily Problems and Activities Thoughts of Suicide Abuse of Drugs and/or Alcohol
Remembering Your ABC’s To Reduce Stress & Weight:
If you or your children are over weight or stressed, you can reduce your risk of developing serious side effects by practicing your ABC’s. Avoid late night eating and fast foods. Eat a balanced diet. Exercise regularly (jog, run, jump & dance). Keep your weight under control. Be willing to ask for help if you feel depressed; and Control your stress and anxiety by talking to someone, laughing, breathing deeply and learning to accept what you cannot change. Learn from your mistakes and reward yourself for your achievements. If possible participate in free events at church and listen to holiday music.
If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center.
Call Durham Center Access: 919-560-7305; 919-560-7100 or 800-510-9132.
National Hopeline Network
(800) SUICIDE (784-2433)
Or for More Information, Contact:
National Institute of Mental Health Information Center
1- 866-615-6464
1-866-415-8051 (TTY)
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, except Federal holidays (Eastern Time)
www.nimh.nih.gov
This article provided by the Community Health Coalition, Inc.
407 Crutchfield Street, P.O. Box 15176, Durham, NC 27704
Phone: (919) 470 – 8680 Fax: (919) 470 – 8688
Email: Healthcoali@aol.com Website: www.chealthc.org
This entry was posted on Monday, January 2nd, 2012 at 4:07 pm
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