“April showers bring May flowers” is the saying we were taught to help us learn our months. It was helpful because you’d prepare yourself for the rain showers of April, only to be greeted by the warmth of the sun in May. However, as we age, it becomes more and more obvious some showers aren’t confined to the month of April. In fact, many times, a “shower” isn’t one you can prepare for or watch from the window of your home. For some people, it’s inside and constantly raging, consuming many parts of daily life.

This year, Any Lab Test Now® has made one of our main themes “self-care.” We understand how important it is to take care of your mental health, just as you would a broken bone or a disease. Mental health medication can be difficult to prescribe, as there are many different types of mental health illnesses. May is home to National Mental Health Awareness month, which is meant to educate and advocate for policies and practices that support people with mental illness in themselves and their families. 

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • At some point in their lives, 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder.
  • One in five Americans will experience mental illness in a year. 
  • One in 25 Americans live with a serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

The causes of mental illness can be vast, and many times, it can range from just a side effect from day-to-day life, or it can manifest from a traumatic event. Some common causes are:

  • Genetics, such as a family history of mental illness
  • Traumatic experiences or history of abuse
  • Chronic medical conditions like cancer or diabetes
  • Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
  • Excessive drug and alcohol use
  • Feelings of loneliness or isolation

Protecting your mental health should be a priority as it can cause deeper physical issues later on in life. For example, depression increases the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It’s proven to be quite difficult to get ahead of treating mental illness, but it’s proven advantageous to people to take preventative safety measures to see if you’re more at risk for the debilitating illnesses. 

Before taking the plunge into finding the right mental health medication for you, Any Lab Test Now® is now offering the Mental Health PGX Panel. This panel is a big step in putting science behind mental health medication. The panel analyzes 13 different genes with a simple blood draw.

Genetic testing for mental illnesses has benefits, whether the results are positive or negative. As with any other test, your individual results can provide relief from uncertainty and help you make informed decisions about your health care. The Mental Health PGX Panel is a relatively easy test to take, with no prior need to fast. The test typically takes five to seven business days for you to be informed of your results. 

Once you receive your results, we encourage you to talk with your primary provider about any mental health medication you may need. However, taking the first step to managing your mental health should be as painless as possible. Any Lab Test Now® offers you a way to receive a comprehensive test on your mental health so you can 2live your life; uninterrupted.

As many adults experience mental illness in some capacity, it’s vital to commit to getting tested to ensure you can make knowledgeable choices about your future. That includes the big decisions a diagnosis could impact, like marriage, kids, travel, and more. It’s important to remember that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, meaning getting tested is a step in the right direction and a step towards living a healthier lifestyle.

Call now to schedule an appointment at a location near you to Take Control of Your Health® today.