Self-awareness is the ultimate prerequisite for self-improvement and living a better life.

The thing is that we can’t really know how self-aware we are, objectively speaking. 

We just have to do our best.

In this article, I share a list of what I think are great markers of good self-awareness. 

It’s derived from a wide range of expert opinions from different fields and my own personal experience on my self-awareness journey.

Read on to find our the 14 signs that you’re becoming a more mindful and self-aware person.

1) You understand your emotions

Being emotionally self-aware means understanding what you’re feeling and the reason behind it. More importantly, it also means being able to control how you act on it.

This means that you’re also aware of your major emotional patterns. You may have identified things like:

• Your love language;
• Attachment style;
• And trauma triggers.

Self-aware people don’t see emotions as a sign of weakness but rather as something normal and human—if not something beautiful and profound.

By doing so, they are able to completely understand their emotions. They can sit with them and analyze why they feel that way and how it might affect their actions.

As a result, their external awareness also increases, allowing them to develop better relationships with others.

2) You can analyze your thought processes

In the same vein, self-aware people can also analyze their thoughts. Self-awareness includes both the emotional and logical side of your mind.

You know, for example, how you learn the best as a student. It also includes knowing your biases or how you memorize information.

By being aware of these, you attempt to set aside your biases (while fully acknowledging that there’s no way you can do so completely) and arrive at the most objective conclusions possible.

3) You can control their thoughts and emotions

Because of the two points above, they are not at the mercy of their mental or emotional whims. Their thoughts and emotions don’t control them. Mindful and self-aware people get the hang of how they feel and what they think.

They understand that they are more than their thoughts and emotions. This is why they are not too bothered if they have an intrusive thought or feel a particularly strong emotion.

They are able to sit with them, process them, and move forward smoothly.

4) You think you’re not self-aware enough

Here’s that paradox I was talking about. People who think they know everything about themselves (or worse, about the world or other people) ironically tend to be the least self-aware.

Remember when you were 18 and thought that you understood how the world worked? It’s like they never grew out of that phase.

Humbly realizing that you always have room to grow will make you consistently chase self-improvement and self-awareness. 

And that’s exactly how you become and stay self-aware.

5) You don’t think you’re special

Another thing 18-year-olds think is that they’re special. As you can probably guess, truly self-aware people definitely don’t believe this.

They don’t think they deserve special treatment or feel entitled to other people. They put in the effort to get the things they want and feel thankful when other people help them.

On the other hand, they also don’t think that they live the most miserable of lives. 

They understand that they face their fair share of trauma or unfairness in their life, but they’re also able to see how they’re lucky or privileged.

This means their self-awareness includes understanding their place in the grander scheme of things.

6) You’re not afraid of looking “dumb”

We live in a world where we’re all so obsessed with looking intelligent and competent. We need it to…

• …pass job interviews;
• …woo people we date;
• …impress our friends;

…and a whole host of other things. We feel the need to put up a front just to seem like we know what we’re doing at all times.

But you know what’s better than competence?

Authenticity. Sincerity. And, as mentioned above, the desire to always learn and grow.

So, if you ask that supposedly dumb question? 

Maybe you feel a little embarrassed, but now you’ll know more, making you feel more confident than before.

7) You know your weaknesses

Self-aware folks are not afraid of looking dumb because they accept they’re not perfect.

They’re not afraid of putting themselves outside their comfort zone or making hard decisions. 

They’re not afraid of failing or taking risks either.

After all, they know that this is precisely how you’re able to develop your weaknesses. 

They’re mature enough not to beat themselves up for not being perfect. 

And they fully accept and love themselves despite their flaws. And in fact, it’s because of this radical self-acceptance and self-love that they want to grow and improve. 

8) You welcome criticism

Because mindful people know they’re imperfect, taking criticism is not a problem for them. 

It’s still definitely hard (because, again, they’re human and embrace that they’re human), but they do their best not to get defensive about it. 

Rather, they keep it in mind as they try to grow and become a better person. After all, what’s a better way of becoming self-aware than listening to how other people perceive you?

How do you know if criticism is constructive?

• It’s worded respectfully and kindly;
• It focuses on how you can improve rather than what you lack;
• It encourages you to do better instead of quitting.

9) You willingly apologize

Similarly, self-aware people are also humble enough to take accountability for their actions. 

They are mindful of their effect on others and adept at recognizing when they are in the wrong, too.

They readily admit when they make a mistake and wholeheartedly apologize for it.

And while you might say that saying sorry is basic decency, some studies suggest that it’s actually incredibly hard to do—especially if you screwed up in a big way.

After all, sincerely apologizing is crucial to both maintaining relationships and soliciting feedback. Both of these are important in maintaining a good level of self-awareness.

10) You live in the present

An often overlooked part of self-awareness is the ability to stay grounded in the present. 

Think about it: If you’re constantly over-worrying about the future or thinking about things from the past, how can you be aware of the current situation around you?

After all, we can’t change the past, nor can we be truly sure of what the future brings no matter how hard we try to predict it. In fact, the best way to prepare for the future is to make the most out of the present!

Self-aware people are aware of this reality and are able to live life to the fullest because of it.

11) You know what you want in the future

Being present doesn’t mean that the most mindful of us do not care about the future. While they live in the present, they’re still forward-thinkers. They still have a vision of the future they want to achieve.

They are sure and aware of the following:

• Personal values they have;
• Goals they want to achieve;
• Limitations they have to work with;
• The opportunities present.

Then,  they craft a specific vision of the future that is aligned with these factors.

After all, while thinking too much about the future is unproductive—if not counterproductive—not thinking about it all leaves you directionless. 

12) You know your values but still respect other people’s opinions

A mature and self-aware person will acknowledge and respect other people’s opinions. But this doesn’t mean that they will always be willing to compromise.

After all, while they seek to listen to other people’s perspectives to expand their knowledge of the world, they still think critically about them as well. 

This is because they are sure of their own values and beliefs. While they know the importance of being open-minded, they also believe in the phrase, “Don’t be so open-minded that your brain falls out.”

Being able to empathize with other people’s viewpoints while still staying strong to your values is a hallmark of maturity.

13) You value how they see yourself more than others’ opinions 

Now, it’s important to note that there is a difference between being aware of what other people think and valuing it more than how you see yourself.

As said above, it’s important to be open-minded to what other people think. 

But being overly worried about what other people think (to the point of constantly molding yourself to the demands of others) is not self-awareness!

In fact, if you’re hyper-aware of other people, you’re probably not aware enough of yourself.

Remember that you only have a limited amount of focus and mental energy. If you choose to devote most of it to fulfilling other people’s desires of you, you’ll lose track of your own identity.

14) You accept the reality that you may not achieve all your dreams

But they still go for them anyway!

It’s just how self-aware people accept that they’ll never achieve perfect self-awareness but still strive for it anyway (and that’s how they become self-aware).

Maturing includes realizing that you will likely never achieve all your dreams. Or its full extent. 

As they say: Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

So sure, maybe you won’t be as big of an author as JK Rowling or George R.R. Martin. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have your book published and make its own fair share of waves.

To sum up

Cultivating self-awareness is a neverending process. It’s not a one-time thing where you can suddenly gain self-awareness, and you’ll stay self-aware for life.

It’s a process that is crucial to living a fulfilled, meaningful life.

So now, after reading this article, take the time to reflect on what you’ve read and kickstart (or continue!) your journey to becoming a more mindful, self-aware person.

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A toxic work culture can discourage people from giving their best, affecting performance. A healthy workforce is always more productive, engaged and resilient. This is why giving due importance to the mental health of employees while reaching out for goals and targets, is important for a positive work culture. You should notice certain signs that suggest your workplace values mental health.

Health Shots reached out to Dr Rahul Rai Kakkar, Consultant – Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram, to know more about healthy workplace.

Positive work culture is important for mental health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Mental health issues at workplace

Work-related stress can bother anyone. With high workload, pressure to meet targets and long working hours, it can lead to stress, affecting mental well-being. Here are some more health issues that an unhealthy work environment can lead to:

1. Burnout

Prolonged exposure to intense stress and exhaustion can result in burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion and reduced performance, says the expert.

2. Anxiety and depression

Workplace factors, such as a toxic work culture or lack of support, might contribute to the development of anxiety and depression.

3. Workplace bullying

Some people do become victims of office harassment or bullying at work. This can have severe effects on the person’s mental health.

4. Isolation and loneliness

Feeling disconnected from colleagues or excluded from the work community can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

5. Uncertain job security

Fear of job loss or unstable employment conditions can also cause anxiety and stress in some people.

Bullying at work may affect your mental health. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

6. Lack of work-life balance

Balancing personal and professional life becomes challenging, affecting overall mental well-being.

Why mental health at workplace is importance

It is crucial for management to prioritise employees’ mental health. Dr Kakkar says that focusing on mental health fosters a positive work culture, reduces absenteeism and enhances job satisfaction. By addressing mental health concerns, management demonstrates care for their employees’ well-being. This in turn boosts morale and loyalty, leading to improved retention rates and less job hopping. Also, investing in mental health initiatives can help to prevent burnout, stress-related issues, and potential conflicts, creating a more harmonious and thriving workplace.

Signs that your workplace values mental health

1. Encourages open communication

Management fosters an environment where employees can discuss mental health without fear of stigma or repercussions.

2. Offers mental health resources

The office provides access to counselling, support groups or workshops to assist employees in managing their mental well-being.

3. Flexible work arrangements

The office allows flexible schedules and remote work options, accommodating individual needs and promoting work-life balance, says the expert.

4. Promotes work breaks

Regular breaks are encouraged to prevent burnout and increase productivity, but that doesn’t mean you stay out drinking tea or smoking cigarettes all the time.

5. Recognises achievements and efforts

Employees’ accomplishments are acknowledged by the management. This helps to boost their self esteem and motivation.

6. Anti-discrimination policies

The office has clear policies against discrimination based on mental health conditions, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.

7. Mental health training

Management provides training to raise awareness and equip staff with skills to support colleagues facing mental health challenges.

8. Employee assistance programs

The office offers such programs to provide confidential support and resources for employees in times of distress, says Dr Kakkar.

Now that you know certain signs, try your best to find a workplace that upholds your emotional wellness while letting you thrive professionally.

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Arielle Ford is a big believer in signs.

That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The La Jolla author, publicist and public speaker has written several self-help books centering on the more spiritual side of love and romance. A radio host once described her as the “fairy godmother of love.” She even describes herself as a “queen of the new-age baby boomer” mentality.

But Ford says she initially “never, ever” had writing a novel on her to-do list. She was busy penning bestsellers with titles such as “The Soulmate Secret.”

Then one day, she says, a story idea came to her and proceeded to “stalk” her.

“It came to me like a movie inside my head and it wouldn’t go away,” Ford said. “Trust me, I kept trying to resist it, but it just kept revealing itself.”

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Still, she put it off. But eventually she made herself a promise. She knew most of the novel would take place in Rishikesh, a small riverside city in the Himalayan foothills of India. It’s a deeply spiritual place, according to Ford, and though she had visited a number of times, she felt she needed to go again to fully actualize the story swirling in her head.

“Finally, I just sat down and told myself, ‘OK, God, if I’m supposed to write this book, I’ll somehow manifest a business-class ticket to India, which is like $7,000,” Ford recalled. “So I thought that was the end of it. That’s never going to happen.”

Less than 48 hours later, with a chance encounter with a former business partner, Ford had her ticket to India. And once she was in Rishikesh, her novel, “The Love Thief,” truly took shape.

“Things that I had once only seen in my imagination I began to trip over in real life,” Ford said. “I found the bookstore that’s in the novel. The owner of that bookstore looked like the guy in my head. Stuff just started to reveal itself and magic happened every time I turned around. So I just began taking notes. Lots and lots of notes.”

“The Love Thief” centers on a woman (Holly) who, after discovering that her fiancé is cheating on her, crashes her car into the back of a truck. For Holly, her travails lead to an unexpected journey to India where she she meets a guru named Deepak, who sprinkles wisdom and meaning into Holly’s life.

“[‘The Love Thief’ story] came to me like a movie inside my head and it wouldn’t go away. Trust me, I kept trying to resist it, but it just kept revealing itself.”

— Arielle Ford

“They say you write what you know, and I was able to take my entire life’s work and funnel it through these different characters,” said Ford, who loosely based the personality of characters like Deepak on her husband and based Holly on multiple friends who had troubled relationships with what Ford calls “toxic narcissists.”

“Every self-help book I’d ever read, every course I’d ever taken or guru I’d represented, I was able to channel through Deepak,” Ford said. “I believe in everything that comes out of his mouth, those bits and pieces of wisdom that I’ve picked up along the way.”

She’s quick to point out that the book isn’t about her, but rather, anyone who “has ever been betrayed by a lover.”

She believes many readers will find the book’s villain, Barry, to be recognizable. “I want them to understand that it’s not necessarily their fault,” Ford said. “You didn’t do anything wrong. I also want them to understand the differences about what love is and how it’s portrayed.”

Holly, however, is highly suspicious of anything transcendent, proclaiming early in the novel that she doesn’t enjoy yoga or buy into “woo-woo” spirituality.

“Holly is not a seeker. She’s not a believer,” said Ford, who spent five years revising the book. “She doesn’t want anything to do with it until her life falls apart. Even when she goes to India, she has no idea that it’s the yoga capital. She goes there for cooking school. So it was fun to have her sort of trip over this magical possibility, this new way of being that she wasn’t looking for.”

Ford, 70, is originally from Florida and moved to Los Angeles in 1984 and eventually to La Jolla in 1994. Over the years, she worked as a publicist for big-name clients such as Deepak Chopra and Neale Donald Walsch. She says she was content with being a “behind-the-scenes person,” writing and contributing to a few books here and there. But then she became something of a love guru herself after her 2008 book, “The Soulmate Secret,” became a bestseller.

“That book solidified me on this new career path,” she recalled. “It just sort of happened.”

Though she exudes confidence and self-actualization, Ford says writing her first novel may have been her most humbling experience.

“I’m happy that I did it now, but the process of it was so intimidating,” Ford said. She added that she’d often print out positive notes about the book she received from friends in hopes of inspiring herself to keep going.

Toward the end of the process, Ford reached out to a book-cover designer who came back with a multicolored digital rendering of a woman in a yoga pose. After approving the cover, Ford said, she was “shocked” one day when she received an email from a Serbian woman whose image was used to create the cover.

“Not only did you choose a picture of me taken the year when I was most broken, but the content [of the] story in the book is the same,” the woman said. She added that the photograph was taken on her own journey to Rishikesh shortly after a horrible breakup.

“And I thought, ‘Wow, this universe is really having some fun out here,’” Ford said. “I am still shocked.”

Reflecting on it now, Ford said she sees it as another sign that she’s done something substantial with “The Love Thief.”

“Out of the 8 billion people on the planet, the actual girl gets in touch with me,” she said.

Ford is now working on a full-cast audio version of the novel, complete with a soundtrack and sound effects. “But that’s the kind of magic that just kept happening with this book,” she said.

“The Love Thief” is available at arielleford.com/the-love-thief.

Ford is scheduled to appear at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 6, at Warwick’s bookstore, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla. Admission is free. For more information, visit warwicks.com. ◆

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Recognizing the signs of mental health issues is the first step in addressing them. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

1. Persistent Sadness or Anxiety: Feeling sad or anxious from time to time is normal. However, if these feelings persist for weeks or months, it could be a sign of depression or an anxiety disorder.

2. Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early can be a sign of mental health problems. Insomnia is a common symptom of depression and anxiety.

3. Changes in Appetite: A sudden increase or decrease in appetite can be a sign of depression or an eating disorder.

4. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time, even after getting enough rest, can be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.

5. Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social situations or isolating oneself from friends and family can be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

6. Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain or mental health issues can be a sign of addiction and other underlying mental health problems.

7. Mood Swings: Rapid mood swings or changes in behavior can be a sign of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help. Mental health professionals can provide the necessary support, guidance, and treatment to manage the symptoms and prevent further complications.

In conclusion, mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s crucial not to ignore the warning signs. Recognizing the symptoms of mental health problems is the first step in seeking treatment and managing the condition effectively. By seeking help early on, you can improve your quality of life, prevent further complications, and achieve better mental health and overall well-being.

The post Don’t Ignore the Signs: Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms appeared first on Minds Valley.

Source: Giano Currie/Unsplash

Many high-achievers who have low self-worth fail to recognize they’re waging an internal battle.

When it comes to understanding yourself, here’s something everyone should know. Your self-concept contains two elements. The first is your view of your competencies. Do you see yourself as being good at a variety of skills?

The second aspect is your intrinsic self-worth. Do you feel as worthwhile as other people, independent of your skills? Do you feel like you have inherent self-worth as a human?

High achievers sometimes recognize their competencies and skills but don’t feel a sense of inherent self-worth that’s separate from those. They see their worth as contingent on their achievements.

Discover the subtle, sneaky signs of low self-worth.

You’re a high-achiever but…

1. You don’t see yourself as deserving of support.

You think you should be able to handle everything on your own. For example, you’re nervous about a medical appointment but think you should be able to go on your own, even if you’d like to ask a friend to go with you. Or, you think you should be a superwoman or man and not need help maintaining your home or garden, even though you work full-time. Or, you might think, “I should be able to succeed in my career without mentors.”

2. You think it’s reasonable for other people to make mistakes on the road to success, but not for you.

You expect yourself to be good at everything without practice or experience. You think this even in domains not central to your core expertise. For example, you think should be good at painting, even if you don’t have a history or an interest in arts or crafts. In your career, you don’t give yourself grace when you’re a beginner at something. You expect to be good at everything, right off the bat.

3. You find a way to recast other people’s mistakes as your mistakes.

For example, you get misdiagnosed by a doctor. Instead of thinking it was their fault, you think it was your fault for not picking a better doctor. Or, if someone whose job is to help or teach you isn’t doing that well, you think it’s your fault for not effectively extracting that from them.

4. It’s easier for you to think of what you haven’t achieved than what you have.

In today’s era of social media, our minds effortlessly wander into countless imagined lives we could be leading. It’s easy to imagine that on your weekends you could be renovating a derelict home you bought for $10,000, that you could be well on your way to visiting 100 countries, or that you could be body-building or becoming an expert carpenter on the side.

Do you often find yourself dwelling on the roads not taken, rather than appreciating the path you have chosen and the accomplishments you have achieved? Most of us can only work on one or two major goals at a time. Do you compare yourself to literally everybody else?

5. You feel embarrassed in situations that don’t warrant embarrassment.

For example, your child is sick or experiencing a challenge and you feel embarrassed by that. Or, a completely chance event happens to you, like getting pooped on by a bird, and that triggers embarrassed feelings rather than recognizing it could happen to anyone.

6. You’ve never really considered that your worth isn’t directly tied to your achievements.

Sometimes high-achievers so closely link their achievements with their worth that have never even considered that their intrinsic worth isn’t merely the total of their contributions. Corporate culture can reinforce this view with the concept of higher-and lower-value employees.

—

Did you relate to this profile? You may have noticed that the themes behind many of the points include being excessively independent and taking excessive self-responsibility. Even if you don’t relate to every point, if several feel familiar you may have low self-worth. Consider how recognizing your self-worth has the potential to reduce anxiety, alleviate problematic perfectionism, and decrease self-sabotaging behaviors.

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Here are some of the signs that may indicate poor mental health in children:

1. Changes in behavior: Children who are struggling with their mental health may exhibit changes in behavior. They may become more irritable, angry, or aggressive. Alternatively, they may become more withdrawn, anxious, or depressed.

2. Changes in sleep patterns: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up early may be an indicator of poor mental health. Children may also experience nightmares or night terrors.

3. Changes in appetite: A sudden change in appetite, such as overeating or undereating, may indicate poor mental health.

4. Physical symptoms: Children who are struggling with their mental health may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue.

5. Difficulty concentrating: Children may have difficulty focusing on schoolwork or other tasks, which may result in poor academic performance.

If you notice any of these signs in a child, it is essential to seek help. Here are some steps you can take to support them:

1. Talk to the child: It is important to talk to the child about their feelings and reassure them that they are not alone. Encourage them to express themselves and listen to what they have to say.

2. Seek professional help: If you are concerned about the child’s mental health, it is important to seek professional help. Talk to their doctor or a mental health professional who can offer guidance and support.

3. Create a supportive environment: Create a safe and supportive environment for the child. Encourage them to engage in activities that they enjoy and spend time with friends and family.

4. Educate yourself: Educate yourself on the child’s mental health condition and learn about the available treatments and resources.

5. Be patient: Recovery from mental health problems takes time, and it is important to be patient and supportive as the child works through their challenges.

In conclusion, it is essential to understand the signs of poor mental health in children and take steps to offer them support. By creating a safe and supportive environment and seeking professional help, you can help the child work through their struggles and improve their mental health. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you and your child.

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1. Depression

Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterized by excessive worry and fear. Symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

3. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a decreased need for food. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness.

4. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and disorganized behavior.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Symptoms of OCD include unwanted thoughts or fears, repetitive behaviors, and a feeling of distress or anxiety.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, and feelings of anxiety or depression.

7. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior. Symptoms of ADHD include distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and forgetfulness.

8. Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and behaviors. Symptoms of borderline personality disorder include intense fear of abandonment, impulsive behavior, and unstable relationships.

9. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are mental health disorders that affect a person’s relationship with food and their body. Symptoms of eating disorders include excessive dieting, binge eating, and purging.

10. Substance Abuse Disorders

Substance abuse disorders are mental health disorders that involve the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of substance abuse disorders include physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and an inability to control drug or alcohol use.

In conclusion, mental health disorders can be debilitating and have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It is essential to recognize the warning signs of these disorders and seek professional help if necessary. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

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The Defense Department on Friday signed the Brandon Act, which aims to improve how service members receive mental health care, the start of what advocates say is a long-delayed process to implement a policy that will save many lives.

During a ceremony at the Pentagon, the agency’s under secretary for personnel and readiness, Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., signed the policy, which expedites mental health evaluations and provides a confidential channel for service members to self-report mental health issues.

The measure was named after Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, 21, who died by suicide in 2018. It was championed by his parents, Teri and Patrick, who said they fulfilled their son’s dying wish to help others.

“It cements his legacy of saving lives forever,” Patrick said.

Caserta was a naval squadron flight electrician serving a helicopter sea combat unit at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia when he killed himself. In a suicide note, Caserta blamed the Navy, saying he had been constantly bullied and abused by a toxic command that denied his requests for mental health services.

“There’s still more to be done,” his father said, “but this is the start.”

President Joe Biden signed the Brandon Act into law in December 2021 under the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Defense Department said it is still “diligently working to implement” the policy, but it is unclear when it will be rolled out across the entire military.

The agency said implementation of the policy will occur in two phases. In the first phase, which should be implemented within 45 days, it said the services will establish procedures for service members on active duty. In the second phase, the services will establish procedures for service members not serving on active duty.

“Our greatest strength is our people, and we are committed to their well-being,” Cisneros said.

The Casertas say the policy will be critical in curbing mental health challenges in the Navy in particular. The branch has experienced several clusters of suicides across commands since last spring.

Unlike in the civilian world, where people can seek mental health care without their employers’ knowledge, sailors have to inform their superiors and wait for the next available appointment with military medical providers, a process that can take weeks, according to several military law attorneys and veterans.

The Brandon Act is a “cultural shift” that is essential in reducing suicides in the services and the stigma surrounding mental health that is significantly amplified in the military, said M. David Rudd, a psychologist in Memphis, Tennessee, who specializes in military and veteran suicide prevention.

Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros signs a policy to implement the Brandon Act at the Pentagon in Washington on Friday. Teri and Patrick Caserta, left, joined the signing ceremony.Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders / Department of Defense

“It’s really good to see movement in that direction. But, at the same time, it’s a reminder of how slow the system moves,” Rudd said. “With every month that it moves that slowly, innumerable lives are affected.”

In 2021, the most recent year for which full data is available, 519 service members died by suicide, according to the Defense Department.

More than 456,000 active-duty service members were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder from 2016 through 2020, according to Defense Department statistics cited by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. About 64% of the diagnoses were attributed to adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders and depressive disorders.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

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Here are 10 mental health disorders you need to know:

1. Depression: This is a common mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of depression include low mood, feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in appetite.

2. Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry and fear. Symptoms of anxiety include restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping.

3. Bipolar disorder: This is a mood disorder that is characterized by episodes of depression and mania. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include extreme mood swings, high energy levels, and impulsive behavior.

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that involves repetitive behaviors and intrusive thoughts. Symptoms of OCD include compulsive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, and checking, and obsessive thoughts that are difficult to control.

5. Schizophrenia: This is a serious mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.

6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of detachment and avoidance.

7. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a common mental health disorder that affects children and adults. Symptoms of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention.

8. Eating disorders: Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that involve unhealthy eating behaviors. Symptoms of eating disorders include extreme weight loss, binge eating, and purging behaviors.

9. Personality disorders: These are mental health conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Symptoms of personality disorders include difficulty forming relationships, intense emotions, and impulsive behavior.

10. Substance use disorders: Substance use disorders involve the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of substance use disorders include withdrawal symptoms, tolerance, and continued use despite negative consequences.

Recognizing the signs of mental health disorders is the first step towards getting help and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, it is important to seek professional help. With proper treatment and support, people with mental health disorders can recover and lead fulfilling lives.

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Depression

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Other symptoms of depression include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another common mental health condition that can be challenging to identify. It is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. People with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. They may also have difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are sudden changes in emotional state, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and medication. Mood swings can be challenging to identify, but they can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition such as bipolar disorder.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a common problem that can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. People who abuse drugs or alcohol may be trying to self-medicate to cope with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Substance abuse can lead to addiction and other serious health problems.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are another common mental health condition that can be challenging to identify. They are characterized by an unhealthy relationship with food and can lead to severe health problems such as malnutrition and organ damage. Common eating disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are a severe symptom of mental health problems and should be taken seriously. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is essential to seek help immediately. Suicidal thoughts can be a sign of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

Conclusion

Mental health symptoms can be challenging to identify, but it is essential to keep track of your mental health regularly. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Mental health conditions can be treated, and with the right support, people can live happy and healthy lives.

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