Be The Good

Mental health has not always been an easy subject growing up, but it is something that we are striving to work on and hope to help others work on too. 

Life is full of highs and lows, but we want our clients to know that you are not alone. Just like physical health, mental health takes work. It could be meditation, treatments, or even finding the right person to talk to. We wish more people would talk about mental health at a younger age, so we could have a better understanding and be more open to learn about mental health.

That is why we started the Laser Impact and advocate for mental illness. We want to use our name and business to help people talk more about the resources and support that are available. We want to encourage others to get the help they need and bring a less negative view on mental illness. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please know there are resources available with trained professionals to support you.

Crisis Text Line | Text HOME To 741741 free, 24/7 Crisis Counseling

Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love and inspire every day.

• 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021 (57.8 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.

• 5.5% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2021 (14.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.

• 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people)

• 7.6% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2021 (19.4 million people)

What is it & how can I get support?  

What is depression?  

Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. Depression is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care. If left untreated, depression can be devastating for those who have it and their families. 

What are the symptoms of depression?  

Depression can present different symptoms depending on the person, and change based on how they function day-to-day. Depression symptoms typically last for more than two weeks.  

Common symptoms include:  

•  Loss of energy 

•  Hopelessness or guilty thoughts  

•  Changes in sleep and/or appetite  

•  Lack of concentration  

•  Physical aches and pains 

•  Suicidal thoughts  

What causes depression?  

Depression does not have a single cause. It can be triggered by a life crisis, physical illness or something else—but it can also occur spontaneously. 

A number of factors can contribute to depression; here are just a few:  

•  Trauma – When people experience trauma at an early age, it can cause long-term changes in how their brains respond to fear and stress. These changes may lead to depression. 

•  Genetics – Mood disorders, such as depression, tend to run in families. 

•  Life circumstances – Marital status, relationship changes, financial standing and where a person lives influence whether a person develops depression. 

Diagnosis 

To be diagnosed with depressive disorder, a person must have experienced a depressive episode lasting longer than two weeks. 

Treatment 

If diagnosed with depression, the key is to get a specific evaluation and treatment plan. These are a few treatment plans that one might undergo:   

•  Psychotherapy including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy and interpersonal therapy. 

•  Medications including antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotic medications. 

•  Exercise can help with prevention and mild-to-moderate symptoms. 

The NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area.  

 Remember that you are not alone. For more resources and to learn more about depression, visit: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression

What is anxiety? 

We all experience anxiety. However, when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday activities, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. 

What are the different types of anxiety disorders? 

There are many types of anxiety disorders, each with different symptoms. The most common types of anxiety disorders include: 

•  Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 
  GAD produces chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday life. This worrying can consume hours each day, making it hard to concentrate or finish daily tasks.  

•  Social Anxiety Disorder 
  More than shyness, this disorder causes intense fear about social interaction, often driven by irrational worries about humiliation.  

•  Panic Disorder 
  This disorder is characterized by panic attacks and sudden feelings of terror sometimes striking repeatedly and without warning. 

•  Phobias 
  For someone with a phobia, certain places, events or objects create powerful reactions of strong, irrational fear.  

What are the symptoms of anxiety?  

All anxiety disorders have their own unique symptoms. However, they all have one thing in common: persistent, excessive fear or worry in situations that are not threatening. 

People typically experience one or more of the following symptoms: 

Emotional symptoms: 

•  Feelings of apprehension or dread 

•  Feeling tense or jumpy 

•  Restlessness or irritability 

•  Anticipating the worst and being watchful for signs of danger 

Physical symptoms: 

•  Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath 

•  Sweating, tremors and twitches 

•  Headaches, fatigue and insomnia 

•  Upset stomach, frequent urination or diarrhea 

What Causes Anxiety?  

Scientists believe that many factors combine to cause anxiety disorders: 

•  Genetics: Studies support the evidence that anxiety disorders “run in families,” as some families have a higher-than-average amount of anxiety disorders among relatives. 

•  Environment: A stressful or traumatic event such as abuse, death of a loved one, violence or prolonged illness is often linked to the development of an anxiety disorder. 

Diagnosis 

A doctor will likely perform an evaluation, an interview and lab tests. After ruling out an underlying physical illness, a doctor may refer a person to a mental health professional for evaluation. 

A mental health professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to identify the specific type of anxiety disorder causing symptoms as well as any other possible disorders that may be involved. Tackling all disorders through comprehensive treatment is the best recovery strategy. 

Treatment 

Different anxiety disorders have their own distinct sets of symptoms. This means that each type of anxiety disorder also has its own treatment plan.  

These are the common types of treatment that are used: 

•  Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy 

•  Medications, including antianxiety medications and antidepressants 

•  Complementary health approaches, including stress and relaxation techniques 

The NAMI Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) can provide information on how to find various mental health professionals and resources in your area.  

Remember that you are not alone. For more resources and to learn more about anxiety, visit https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

Say What You See  

Even if you can’t talk in person, you can check in and be open about the changes you’ve noticed in their behavior. Don’t make assumptions or judge. Be straightforward and ask how much they’re feeling amongst all this uncertainty. 

Show You Care 

Let them know you’re there for them and that you care about what they need. Then, ask what you can do to help. Scheduling check-ins or sending them something cheerful can go a long way.  

Hear Them Out 

Remember that this is about them. It’s ok if there’s an awkward pause in your conversation. Give them the space to be honest about how they’re feeling. It’s okay if they don’t want to talk, just let them know you’re around if they do.  

Know Your Role  

Your job is to be their friend, not their therapist. Let them know that their feelings are valid and avoid sugarcoating your responses.  

Connect to Help  

Help them schedule an online check-in with their therapist, share digital resources or research options. If they’re in a crisis, stay connected with them until they’re safe and a health professional takes over.  

Don’t be afraid to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. Learning all you can about mental health is an important first step.

Reach out to your health insurance, primary care doctor or state/county mental health authority for more resources.

Contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and supports are available in your community. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.