ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - May is Mental Health Awareness month, and the residents in the state of Missouri are reporting a poorer overall assessment of their own.
Missourians reporting 14 or more poor mental health days per month have increased 47%.
"We understand folks are experiencing mental distress but we want to communicate that there are things that can be done to help folks," said Dr. Heidi Miller, Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services Chief Medical Officer.
Miller says they have seen more women then men report mental health days, with about 22% of women reporting they have had 14 or more poor mental health days, compared to only 13% of men, but yet suicides are significantly higher for males than females.
"I think a lot of people are resorting to self-medicating through drug and substance use," said Miller. "As a consequence, we are seeing fatal overdoses on all drugs have more than doubled from 2012 to 2021."
Doctor Heidi Miller says while seeking counseling and medication can help compared to just self-medicating, but says the simple things in a daily schedule can really help foster someone's mental health.
"That includes just getting fresh air and sunshine, having a regular sleep schedule and at least getting eight hours of sleep," said Miller.
Miller says the confidential 988 hotline is also a valuable resource for people facing mental health issues.
