The causes of mental health problems vary from mental disorder to psychological conditions. Most common mental health issues involve anxiety or depression. However, there are many other mental health issues including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, drug abuse, developmental disorders, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse and dependence, and many more. This article will help you identify some of the most common mental health issues.
Anxiety disorders are divided into two categories: general anxiety disorder and specific phobias. General anxiety disorders may include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and specific phobias. Specific mental health issues may include eating disorders, binge eating, abuse or dependence on alcohol or drugs, and other physical disorders such as bi-polar disorder, major depression, dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder. These disorders have similar symptoms but vary in their severity. Some of the common symptoms of these disorders include restlessness, difficulty with concentration, worrying excessively, irritability, lack of energy or motivation, feeling worthless, and feeling self-conscious.
Depression is one of the most common mental health issues. It is also one of the most misunderstood. Depressed people often times believe that they are beyond help or that they are destined to live the rest of their lives in a state of low-grade sadness or unhappiness. People who suffer from depression may also experience guilt, worthlessness, shame, guilt feeling, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. Other mental health issues that may result from stress or trauma include substance use disorders, panic attacks, and aggressive behavior.
It is important to note that although depression is among the top three most common mental health issues, it is not the most deadly. One of the top three killers is cancer, which is usually associated with stressful life events. Cancer can lead to serious mental health issues including suicide. For this reason, anyone experiencing depression should seek medical attention immediately to determine if they need to make any changes in their lifestyle or take any medications.
Another one of the top mental health issues is poor mental health literacy or coping skills. Poor mental health literacy is often times associated with problems with discrimination, trauma, and violence. Sometimes people with mental illness have a limited ability to process information, and they may not be aware of the messages that they are sending or receiving. When a person has poor mental health literacy they may not be able to effectively communicate with others, and they may not be aware of the messages that they are composing or reading.
If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from any of the mental health conditions listed above you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can perform specific tests that will help you identify the problem. In some cases your doctor may recommend therapy or special medication. In other cases, your doctor may refer you to an adult mental health counselor who can help you work on developing healthier coping skills and learning more about depression and mental illness.
As you can see there are many different types of psychological disorders, and each can have different physical manifestations. People with high stress levels will often develop depression or anxiety disorders. Conversely, those with low levels of stress tend to develop psychological issues such as depression and anxiety. Low levels of stress are often tied in with physical health such as low blood pressure, increased immunity, and a balanced diet.
Anyone who is experiencing a mood disorder, either short term or long term, should seek medical attention. The symptoms of a mental disorder can resemble those of other medical conditions. Therefore, your doctor will perform testing to determine the cause of the disorder. Because the symptoms of mental illness mimic those of physical illness, your physician will likely prescribe a course of treatment including medication. If necessary, your physician may also recommend counseling or other forms of psychological treatment to treat your mental illness.