Do You Need a Medical ID Bracelet for Mental Illness?

Mental illness is an often discussed medical condition that affects more people around us than we'll ever know.

In fact, 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness each year. Most of these people won't discuss their struggles with even their closest friends and family... let alone wear a medical ID to identify their condition. But do you need to have a medical ID bracelet for mental illness?

Mental health isn't often regarded as a reason to wear an identifying bracelet, but doing so could save your life.

Let's talk about why you need medical ID when you have a mental illness and the important role it can play in your health.

3 Reasons to Wear a Medical ID Bracelet for Mental Illness

When people think of reasons to wear medical ID, mental health isn't generally on the list. But it isn't to be dismissed. While the symptoms aren't always obvious to the general observer, they require special attention.

Here are three reasons why it's important, if not vital, to your well-being to wear a medical ID bracelet for mental illness.

1. Drug interactions

A person requiring medical attention will often be given substances by first responders. Even the most common prescriptions for mental illness, such as anti-depressants, can have significant interactions and risks associated with common drug treatments.

Medical ID can help avoid dangerous side effect situations by notifying medical personnel of any prescriptions a person is taking. This ensures they get the best medical attention... without unnecessary complications.

2. Articulation of needs

Some mental illnesses, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, can affect a person's ability to express their needs.

Wearing a medical bracelet can help those providing assistance to understand your particular requirements. Beyond providing the right drugs, it can help them be aware of any sensitivities to the environment you may have.

For example, if a person started to experience a panic attack triggered by a stressful situation, emergency respondents would have a better understanding of the reaction if an ID bracelet explained the person's mental health condition.

Without this awareness, care may not meet all of your needs or could trigger complications. Medical ID jewelry removes these risks and ensures you get the required help.

3. Awareness and removal of stigma

Unfortunately, mental health is often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. We are moving in the right direction by constantly raising awareness of its prevalence and seriousness.

Wearing a medical ID bracelet aids the fight for understanding. Mental health can't be disregarded as presenting serious health problems. Identifying it as a treatable medical condition, just like other common issues that require identification, can help others take it more seriously.

It can help others understand that just because someone doesn't "look sick" doesn't mean they don't need special care.

Moving Forward

Getting proper treatment for any medical condition is a necessity.

But sadly, during the course of one year, over half of adults suffering from mental illness did not get proper medical treatment.

This is preventable! And medical ID bracelets are the first step towards a solution.