By the Numbers: It’s Time to Take a Mental Break   

By the Numbers: It’s Time to Take a Mental Break

woman with headache

May 26, 2022

Clinical Contributors to this story:

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized across the globe. This year, take time to remember that your mental health is essential to your overall health.

The term mental illness refers to all mental disorders—this includes a variety of conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and many more. Mental illness can impact your emotional state, thought process or behaviors. 

The Numbers on Mental Health

  • 1 in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness
  • 1 in 20 adults in the United States experience serious mental illness
  • 1 in 6 youth between the ages of 6 and 17 experience a mental health disorder each year
  • In the United States, 46.4 percent of people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime
  • 57% have experienced COVID-19-related mental health adversity or trauma

The A-B-Cs of 4-7-8  

Breathing exercises are simple ways to relax and clear your mental space. One breathing exercise to try is the 4-7-8 technique.

  • Close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of 4.
  • Hold your breath for a count of 7.
  • Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of 8.

Make Time for You

Engaging in puzzles and games of all kinds can support mental health by:

  • Producing dopamine, which is responsible for improving concentration, motivation and optimism
  • Promoting relaxation and reducing stress
  • Practicing mindfulness 
  • Building social bonds, when games are played with others

Next Steps & Resources:


The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

Newsletter

Subscribe to get the latest health tips from our expert clinicians delivered weekly to your inbox.

Signs That You Need a Mental Health Day

When you’re under the weather with a fever, cough or nausea, it’s easy to know you need to take a sick day. What’s not so clear is when you should stay home for a mental health day, but the concept is slowly catching on.

Do I Have an Alcohol Use Disorder?

The COVID-19 crisis has created heightened anxiety and depression, increasing the risk of substance abuse.

Ways To Relieve Stressful Tension

Is your jaw tight? Are you holding your breath? Our bodies hold tension in all different ways.

Prolonged Grief Disorder: What it Is and How to Know the Signs

Many who experience prolonged grief disorder are consumed by their loss. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms and what to expect from treatment.

5 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Depression or Anxiety

It can be difficult knowing what to say to a loved one who’s been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. 

Is Your Teen or Preteen Suffering From Anxiety?

It’s normal for everyone to experience some anxiety from time to time. But how can you tell if your teen or preteen is overly anxious?

We use cookies to improve your experience. Please read our Privacy Policy or click Accept.
X