Important Mental Health Statistics Every Ohioan Should Know
Mental health affects everyone, yet there is still a stigma surrounding it. It’s time for that to change. This is why I’m passionate about bringing awareness to such an important issue and opening up real and honest conversations about our own mental health experiences.
If you follow 614 Mom on Instagram you’ll know that this month I’ve been sharing a lot about mental health and how important it is to keep having these conversations to be able to break the stigma that surrounds it. Over the last few weeks, we have got to have some really powerful conversations through posts, direct messages, and comments. This community has been so kind to share their stories and experiences with mental health illnesses with me.
Before this month comes to a close I wanted to make sure to share a few very important statics with you as well as a few of my favorite books for myself and my children. I hope you find it helpful and as always my inbox is always open.
STATS
Nearly live 1 in 4 Ohioans live with mental illness.
People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness.
43.2% of adults in Ohio reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.
An estimated 200,000 Ohioans are suffering from addiction, and at nearly double the national average, Ohio has one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in the country
1 in 13 Ohioans have a substance use disorder.
Only 1 in 3 Black adults who need mental health care receive it.
Transgender individuals are nearly 4 times as likely as cisgender individuals to experience a mental health condition.
Favorite Books
Connecting with my kids through stories is one of my biggest joys. They love listening to stories and putting themselves in the shoes of others and I love watching their brains as they make connections to everyday life. Because we read so many wonderful books in our home it’s been a great way to talk about mental health because it’s something they are already so comfortable with.
You can find some of our favorites below and as always my inbox is always open so if you have a recommendation for us, I’d love to hear it.
“Like the sun, I’m here to shine” one of my favorite quotes from the book. Hearing my kids repeat these words as they read the book is so good for my heart. Yes, baby. You are here to SHINE!
Let’s Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent, and Respect
This one was very popular on social media! I picked this book blindly on amazon as I wanted to find a book that could help me have a conversation with my kids about consent. They need to know they can say no to a hug from even the closest family member and it must be respected. I really liked how this book discussed such a difficult topic in a way that opened up a real and honest conversation without scaring or overwhelming my kiddos.
This book focuses on compassion and sharing love with others. Watching those you love go through something difficult can be challenging to witness. Even as adults we often question how we can help or what we can do to ease the burden that our loved ones are facing. This book does a beautiful job of sharing how you can show love to others and to yourself.
“Let Yourself Fall then Pick Yourself Up” So much love for this book and this quote.
This super cute book focuses on kindness and inclusion. The main character, Scribble, didn’t know he was different until he met his new friends. After some time the other characters show kindness to Scribble and learn that they should have included him from the beginning.
What Do You Do With A Problem?
I found this on the shelf at a local book store after ballet one day. Elizabeth and I loved reading this together.
This book focuses on mindfulness and helping kids name different feelings and sensations.
No amount of kindness is too small and this book is the perfect example of that.
This book is great for the little girl in your life. Every little girl needs a reminder that she is strong, powerful, and loved.
I have both two daughters and a son so I picked this book up when I got Dear Girl. This is the book that reminds your son just how amazing he is being a helper or chasing his dreams.
Everyone needs love and this book helps explain how you can love someone the way they need to be loved and not just the way you want to love them.
Anxious feelings can be overwhelming, and as someone with anxiety who never had anyone to share my feelings with, I like reading stories like these. This story was so great with my kids.
Strength, Confidence, and Growth Mindset. All things I want my kids to have. I love this book so much.
Happiness is different for everyone and this book focuses on following those dreams in your own unique way. As someone who has a job that most don’t understand - I am here for this.
You are amazing! Each and every trait that you carry helps you become the amazing human you are and this book talks about all of the goodness in being remarkably you.
A mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. This cute book focuses on lessons like - it’s OKAY to make a mistake.
