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Mental health problems and suicide

• More information on mental health problems and suicide

Money problems, health problems, and the loss of loved ones are all sources of stress, worry, and sadness. During stressful times, feeling sad, worried, or anxious for a little while is normal. But it's not normal to feel this way a lot of the time. Ongoing feelings of sadness and numbness can be signs of depression. Constant worrying that won't go away can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. These feelings are not just "in your head" or a sign of weakness. Mental health problems, such as anxiety and mood disorders, are real illnesses, just like diabetes or heart disease. They can cause changes in your brain and body chemistry. Yet unlike most disabling physical illnesses, mental illness often begins early in life. The sooner a mental health problem is discovered, the better the chance for a full recovery.

Getting help for mental health problems can be a challenge for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Language barriers, cultural differences, and poverty all play a part in this lack of access. Yet, getting help is important. Our limited knowledge of the mental health needs of Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders may also play a role.

Remember: Mental illnesses are real, and treatment can help. If emotional problems are interfering with work, school, relationships, or home life, see a doctor.

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More information on mental health problems and suicide

Read more from womenshealth.gov

• Mental Health — This section of womenshealth.gov provides information on taking care of your mental health throughout the different stages of your life.
  http://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/

Explore other publications and websites

• Asian American/Pacific Islanders (Copyright © American Psychiatric Association) — This fact sheet discusses many of the mental health issues facing Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians in the United States today.
  http://healthyminds.org/More-Info-For/Asian-AmericanPacific-Islanders.aspx
• Mental Health Services Locator — This website will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
  http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Brochure: When It Seems Like There Is No Hope, There Is Help — This brochure explains the warning signs of suicide and how to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for help.
  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/App_Files/Media/PDF/NSPL_Consumer_Brochure_1-30-06.pdf

Connect with other organizations

• American Association of Suicidology
  http://www.suicidology.org/
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
  http://www.afsp.org/
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
  http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
  http://www.nami.org/
• National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association
  http://www.naapimha.org/
• National Hopeline Network
  http://www.hopeline.com/
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
• Office of Minority Health, HHS
  http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/
• Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated with Mental Health (ADS Center), SAMHSA, HHS
  http://stopstigma.samhsa.gov/
• Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
  http://www.save.org/

Content last updated May 18, 2010.

Resources last updated May 18, 2010.

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