Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues

Many types of mental health problems and disorders exist today. Some of the most common types of mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Each of these disorders and their symptoms can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Mental health problems and disorders can interfere with relationships, work and social activities. Getting the help that you need for any type of mental health problem can make a big difference in your quality of life.

Schizophrenia is an extremely serious mental health disorder. If untreated, it can cause death. Schizophrenia is the result of a change in the brain’s chemical system. The disease is not contagious, but can be inherited through genes from the family history. A family history of mental illnesses such as schizophrenia can increase your risk of developing schizophrenia.

Bipolar disorder is another serious mental health issue. Bipolar disorder is characterized by major swings in mood between periods of depression and mania. Some people may need to seek help for some forms of this disorder, while other people may need more intensive treatment. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include severe mood swings, extreme optimism or pessimism, extreme fatigue or lack of energy, irregular sleep patterns, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased ability to function, relationship problems and suicidal thoughts. People who have bipolar disorder are more likely to have depression and substance abuse problems.

There are several mental health issues that don’t have symptoms that can be recognized by the doctor or other medical professionals. These illnesses include eating disorders, drug abuse, gambling addiction and personality disorders. Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and diabetes. Drug abuse includes marijuana, heroin and prescription medications like Vicodin and Fentanyl.

Personality disorders come in many forms. Some personality disorders, like bipolar disorder and major depression, do not have any physical manifestations. Other personality disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and gambling disorder. It is important to have these types of mental illnesses evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist in order to receive treatment. Anxiety disorders are common among adults, with post-traumatic stress and depression being the most common. Specific mental health issues that affect adults include panic attacks, social anxiety, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Symptoms of depression are sometimes confused with bipolar disorder or a manic episode. If you are having mood swings, difficulty sleeping, increased anxiety, trouble making decisions, feel sad or depressed, or feel constantly unworthy, see a doctor. Depression symptoms do not usually go away on their own. For serious mental health issues, it is important to seek treatment.

As a family member, you can be instrumental in treating your loved one if they need professional help. You should be alert for any physical symptoms that may indicate that your loved one may be suffering from mental health problems. Watch for changes in his or her diet, sleeping habits, work performance, hobbies or sleeping patterns. If you notice any negative or unusual behavior, speak to your family member’s physician. If you suspect that your family member is seeing a doctor about mental health problems, encourage him or her to speak with a professional before taking any steps that may be too drastic.

There are many different types of mental health issues that affect individuals of all ages. These issues range from having a single thought patterns, such as perfectionism, to having repetitive and continuous thoughts, such as anxiety, worry, guilt or fear. Reassuring yourself and others that there is a difference between thought patterns and outright behaviors can go a long way in helping to manage various types of thought patterns and prevent severe mental health issues. When you learn the signs and symptoms of various mental health issues, you can have an early warning system that can inform you of potential problems. By being proactive, you can assure your loved one receives the care he or she needs to stay on the path to recovery.