A person’s Mental Health affects his or her thoughts, emotions, and behavior. It also influences how a person handles stress and interpersonal relationships and makes decisions.
Drastic changes in a person’s thoughts, moods, and behavior can be signs of mental illness. These can include depression or bipolar disorder. People with mental illnesses may face stigma, discrimination, and isolation.
Mental health problems are serious illnesses that affect how you feel and think. They can make it hard to function at home, school, or work. But there are treatments to help you cope with the illness and live your life to the fullest.
A mental illness can have many causes. Some of these causes are genetic, and some are environmental. Some are physical, such as brain damage or a head injury. And others are personal, such as stress or a history of trauma. Some people are more prone to mental health issues than others. But most have a combination of risk factors, which is why it is important to get diagnosed and treated early.
Some of these risks include having a family member who has a mental health problem, a history of trauma or abuse, and living in a stressful environment. Many mental health disorders are also linked to genetics. So if you have a certain gene, your chances of getting the disorder are higher. But you don’t necessarily have to get it if other people in your family do.
Other causes of mental health problems are physical. For example, some people with depression have a chemical imbalance in the brain called serotonin. And a variety of drugs are used to treat the condition by increasing the levels of this chemical. Other biological causes of mental disorders are damaged nerve cell circuits, abnormal functioning of the brain pathways that connect particular brain regions, or abnormal chemical messages between nerve cells. Psychiatrists have also identified other physical conditions that may have a psychological impact, such as chronic pain, substance use, and head injuries.
Behavioral characteristics, such as an individual’s overall personality or temperament and coping style, have also been linked to mental health problems. For example, a person who is impulsive and lacks self-control could develop an anxiety or depressive disorder.
Some people with mental health conditions are at greater risk of passing them on to their children, especially if the condition is an anxiety or mood disorder. But it’s important to note that there are effective treatments for most mental health conditions. Getting diagnosed and treated by a trained professional is the first step toward recovery.
Symptoms
People with mental health problems may experience erratic thought patterns, unexplained changes in mood, a lack of interest in family, friends, or work, or trouble telling the difference between reality and fantasy. While one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate a mental illness, if a person experiences several and they interfere with daily activities, they should seek medical attention.
Depression, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, and impulse control disorders are all types of mental illnesses that can affect a person’s mood, emotions, or behavior. Other conditions that are also mental illnesses are eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders that develop during childhood, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder.
There are many things that can cause mental health problems, including drug and alcohol abuse and a poor diet. People with mental health problems often use different methods to manage their symptoms. Some choose to take medication, which can help if it is used as directed by a healthcare provider. Others choose to undergo psychotherapy, which teaches patients healthier thought patterns that can help alleviate their symptoms and lead to recovery. Psychotherapy is offered by psychologists, psychiatrists, and some primary care physicians.
Some psychiatric medications work by changing chemicals in the brain, which can help relieve certain symptoms. Antidepressants, for example, can help with feelings of sadness or low self-esteem. Antipsychotic drugs can reduce the frequency of hallucinations and delusions.
It is important to note that not all psychiatric medications are effective, and some cause negative side effects. Those with serious mental illnesses should discuss treatment options with their healthcare provider and always follow his or her advice.
Other treatments can include a healthy diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep. People with depression and anxiety often find relief through meditation or other relaxation techniques. A healthcare provider may recommend that a patient try to spend more time with friends and family. Many people with mental health problems experience stigma, which can make them reluctant to talk about their condition or ask for help. It is important for people to know that mental illness is no shame and that it is possible to recover.
Diagnosis
Often, the first step in finding treatment is to visit a mental health professional and receive a diagnosis. This can be a very difficult and confusing time. Many people have difficulty believing that they or a loved one have a mental illness. They may deny the warning signs, worry about how others will react to the stigma, and wonder what caused their illness. They might also be afraid of the potential side effects of medications.
A mental health professional will evaluate your symptoms and history, including any family history of mental illness. They will ask you about your general functioning and how the symptoms affect your daily life, work, and relationships. They will also determine how long the symptoms have lasted, their intensity and frequency, and whether you experience any relief from them. Then, they will make a diagnosis based on the medical evidence.
Psychiatrists and psychologists will use information about your general functioning, the severity of your symptoms, and the impact they have on your daily activities to make a diagnosis. They will also consider other factors, such as whether your symptoms are due to another illness or to drugs you are taking.
If you have any of the warning signs or if your symptoms are severe and are affecting your ability to study, work, or interact with others, it is important that you visit a mental health professional for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, there is hope, and there are effective treatments available. It is important to seek help early because some conditions, such as psychosis, can become worse if left untreated for too long. With treatment and support, most people with mental illnesses can manage their symptoms and achieve a meaningful and satisfying life. The most common treatments are psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medication. Usually, a combination of both is most effective. Other treatments, such as exercise and self-help groups, are also being used to help reduce the burden of mental illness.
Treatment
There are different treatments for mental illnesses, depending on the disorder. A mental health professional will work out a treatment plan with you, which may include one or more types of therapy and medication. Some people find that taking part in group psychotherapy is helpful. This can help you understand and overcome your illness. Psychotherapy can be done in a group with other people who have the same problem, or it can be done on a one-on-one basis with a health professional. Examples of psychotherapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Some mental illnesses can cause physical symptoms that look like a medical condition, such as stomach pain or headaches. If these symptoms are severe, it may be necessary to do a medical exam, including blood work. Some mental illnesses can also have a direct effect on a person’s physical health; for example, depression and anxiety can lead to sleep problems and a low appetite. In some cases, a medical examination can reveal that the symptoms are caused by another condition, such as thyroid disease or diabetes.
A mental health professional will make a diagnosis based on the information you give them about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They might suggest other health professionals or community support as part of your care.
Medication can be used to manage some mental illnesses, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medicines change the chemicals in your brain so that your symptoms are less severe. It is important that you take the medication as your doctor prescribes. Many people have to try a few different medications before they find the right ones for them.
Some people need a short period of intensive treatment in a hospital or residential treatment program. This can be because the symptoms are so severe that they interfere with daily living or because a person is at risk of hurting themselves or others. Others might need to stay in a psychiatric hospital for a longer time, either for long-term care or because they cannot live at home. Some people need ongoing support through community programs, which might involve day treatment or housing in a sheltered, supported, or transitional work program.
