Are you rubbing your temples as you read this story?
An insurance group took a look at the mental health concerns Americans most often type into online search engines. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Google is a popular way for people to look for more information on symptoms or concerns.
In Pennsylvania, the most Googled mental health concern is stress headaches.
However, while internet searches are useful and online screenings can help, talking to someone in real life and finding treatment is a better way to turn things around. Reach out to your primary care doctor, or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-877-726-4727 to find a provider or facility that can help.
Top mental health concerns by state
Pervasive illness
More than 44 million U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness, according to Mental Health America, and youth rates are on the rise.
For example, a new study shows adolescents are attempting suicide by overdose at increasing rates. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and the Central Ohio Poison Center found medication overdose suicide attempts have more than doubled since 2000. The rate is even higher for girls.
- If you think you might be suicidal, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers tips for dealing with stress.
Dealing with stress
Now, back to those stress headaches across Pennsylvania: If you’re feeling like your head might explode, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers tips for dealing with stress:
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Learn what triggers your anxiety
- Accept that you can’t control everything
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Eat well-balanced meals regularly
- Sleep
- Work out
Top mental health concerns in the U.S.
More findings
The study on Googled mental health concerns, done by TermLifeToGo.com, also found:
- Across the country, the most-searched mental health concerns were internet addiction, major depressive disorder and memory loss.
- Seasonal affective disorder was the top in Alaska, where residents can go days without seeing the sun in winter.
- Utah’s most googled concern was postpartum depression. The CDC routinely places Utah in the top 10 states for birth rates.
- People in New York, home to one of the most expensive cities in the nation, searched financial stress more than any other term.
May is Mental Health Month was started 70 years ago by Mental Health America, a nonprofit group that addresses mental health needs.
The Associated Press and Tribune News Services contributed to this report.
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Though the campaign may not encourage everyone to seek help, experts say, it could spark conversations around depression, anxiety and other disorders, especially among teens and young adults.