Experts bring attention to taking care of overall health during Mental Health Awareness Month [Video]

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental health illness. The month of May is dedicated to shining a light on taking care of mental health.

Dr. Dave Miers, the Senior Director of Behavioral Health at Bryan Health said it’s important to treat mental health like physical health. Miers said that untreated mental illness can lead to physical issues such as increased risk of heart attack, diabetes and stroke.

“It is important that we break through that stigma, we take that next step we go to the doctor just like if we were to the doctor for a physical illness,” he said.

Dr. Miers said it’s not unusual go through periods of feeling in the “blues” or feeling lethargic. However, if it goes on for a period of two weeks or more, it’s something …