Mental health includes a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being and it encompasses a wide range of conditions that can affect an individual's daily life. Mental health is just as important as physical health and is crucial for one's overall well-being. Many people suffer in silence due to the stigma associated with mental health issues. It also has a considerable impact on an individual's daily life, affecting their ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. If left untreated, mental health problems can lead to chronic health issues, disability, and even suicide. Additionally, these issues can also put a strain on families and communities. There are several types of mental health disorders with their own set of symptoms and characteristics. The most common types of mental health issues include:
1. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are identified with persistent feelings of worry, fear, or unease. These feelings can often be accompanied by muscle tension, fatigue, and irritability. Somatic symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath may also be observed. Anxiety disorders are usually characterized by excessive fear due to unwanted thoughts, which can significantly impact a person's daily life. Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. "According to large population-based surveys, up to 33.7% of the population are affected by an anxiety disorder during their lifetime. Anxiety disorders are highly comorbid with other anxiety disorders and other mental disorders." (Bandelow & Michelas, 2015)
2. PTSD: Managing Symptoms Daily
There are several effective treatments and exercises to help manage anxiety and panic disorders, such as CBT, meditation, breathing exercises, EMDR etc. EMDR therapy tappers can help ease anxiety symptoms by using bilateral stimulation to reprocess upsetting thoughts and make them feel less overwhelming. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and trauma in a relatively short time.
3. Mood disorders
Mood disorders are a set of mental health disorders characterized by constant emotions of sadness, despair, or lack of interest in activities. Mood disorders like major depressive disorders are also identified with other symptoms like changes in appetite, sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Dysthymia is characterized by a chronic, or mild level of depression for at least two years. Other types of depression with similar symptoms like seasonal affective disorder are associated with fewer hours of daylight in the far northern and southern latitudes from late fall to early spring. Depression is one of the most commonly identified with at least 5% of adults suffering globally. Bipolar disorder is another mood disorder that causes elevated or irritable moods, known as mania or hypomania, alternating with episodes of depression. It's important to note that these are just a few examples of mood disorders that significantly impact a person's daily life and make it difficult to function in his personal and professional life.
4. Psychotic disorders
Psychotic disorders can be distinguished by abnormal thinking and perceptions, including hallucinations and delusions. One such psychotic disorder is schizophrenia which also has symptoms like disordered speech, difficulty with motivation, abnormal movements or behavior apart from the hallucinations and delusions which make social interactions extremely difficult. A WHO - AIMS cross-national analysis (2009) shows that approximately 50% of people in mental hospitals have schizophrenia diagnoses around the world. Schizoaffective disorder can be identified when symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder are prevalent. The delusional disorder occurs when there is a presence of one or more non-bizarre delusions that persist for at least one month. The delusions are not due to another mental disorder or a medical condition.
5. Eating disorders
Eating disorders are a group of mental health issues identified by abnormal eating habits and often associated with concerns about body image. These disorders can cause severe physical and emotional harm and can be fatal if left untreated. Anorexia nervosa characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, self-induced starvation, and a distorted body image is a very well-known eating disorder. Some common symptoms include weight loss, amenorrhea, and cold intolerance. Bulimia on the other hand is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, or excessive exercise. People with bulimia may experience symptoms such as electrolyte imbalances and dental problems. Another common eating disorder, binge eating disorder may cause one to experience symptoms such as weight gain and feelings of shame or guilt. Binge eating disorder can be identified by eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time, without the use of compensatory behaviors.
6. Trauma disorder
Individuals who have gone through a highly stressful event may have trouble returning to a normal state of mind. In some instances, they may develop a mental health condition related to the experience, known as a trauma disorder. There are 7 different types of trauma disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), Secondhand Trauma, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED), Adjustment Disorders, and Other and Unspecified Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. Excessive anxiety, depression, impaired memory, and sleep disturbance are common symptoms, however, this is not an exhaustive list.
7. Personality disorders
A personality disorder is a long-term mental health issue that encompasses persistent and disruptive patterns of thinking, behavior, mood, and social interactions. These patterns cause significant distress and impede a person's ability to function in life. They can manifest as distorted views of reality, abnormal actions, and emotional turmoil in different aspects of life such as work, relationships, and social interactions. People suffering from a personality disorder may not be aware of the negative impact of their behavior on others. Examples of personality disorders include Borderline personality disorder, Narcissistic personality disorder, and Schizoid personality disorder.
8. Substance use disorder
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)'s World Drug Report 2022 estimates that around 284 million people use drugs worldwide. Abusing any substance can cause a mental health condition that affects a person's brain and behavior, causing them to lose control over their use of drugs, alcohol, or medications. Examples include Alcohol use disorder and Opioid use disorder. The symptoms can vary from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form.
Treatment options
Treatment for mental health issues should be tailored to the individual and not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Your mental health problems can be unique to you, even if others have the same diagnosis. Factors like the severity of your symptoms, your personal and family history, and your context all play a role in determining the best treatment plan for you. To find the best treatment for you, it's essential to work with a mental health professional. In some cases, severe symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal thoughts may require inpatient treatment, residential care, or hospitalization.
- Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can be an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. It can be done in one-on-one, group, or family sessions and different forms of therapy like CBT, DBT, IPT, and EMDR may be used depending on your needs and diagnosis. During talk therapy, you'll discuss your issues and learn new coping skills with a therapist, helping you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can lead to improved mental health, better relationships, and overall well-being.
Talk therapy is now easily accessible with the help of technology. There are several mental health apps that provide online therapy in audio/video format as well as text format. Having access to mental health care in the palm of your hand makes it convenient. While these may not always be a replacement for in-person help, they can be used adjunct to therapy as well. Mental health apps help us track our moods, learn and practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, self-care, etc. Some of the best mental health apps include Wysa, Talkspace, Calm, Headspace, etc.
- Medications in conjunction with psychotherapy, are often used to address symptoms of mental health conditions. Your physician or psychiatrist will prescribe a specific medication and dosage that's right for you. It's essential to keep them updated on any changes in symptoms or side effects, as medications may have consequences.
- In addition to individual therapy and medication, support groups and 12-step programs can be effective complementary therapies for those with mental health conditions. These programs offer a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand what you're going through. They can also provide you with new coping skills, a sense of community, and a better understanding of your condition.
- Yoga, meditation, and exercise are also complementary options that can relieve symptoms of mental health conditions. These practices can improve your physical and mental well-being, helping you in your recovery process.
In conclusion
Remember, early recognition and intervention of mental health problems are essential for efficient treatment and better outcomes. Be mindful of the signs and symptoms and seek help as soon as possible. Early intervention can result in lower healthcare costs and better outcomes for you and your loved ones.
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