Dealing With Major Depression & Schizophrenia Disorders

Mental health is a condition of well being in which a person recognizes his/her capabilities, is adaptive to the daily stresses of life, is able to create a meaningful contribution to society, and can cope effectively with minor challenges. It is defined as “a state of total well-being that includes a happy emotional response to life” (American Psychological Association, 10th Ed.). It is important for an individual to know that his/her mental health is related to his capacity to experience positive life changes. In order for us to achieve mental health, we need to follow some tips:

Adolescents are prone to several mental health problems because they are experiencing new experiences and may be facing new risks. For instance, increased stress due to family conflict, peer pressure, academic pressure, or the transition to college life may lead to anxiety and depression. The onset of adolescents’ life changes, such as experiencing a new social environment, developing new skills and perspectives, or having new ideas, may trigger several negative stressors that can affect their well-being. Adolescents who are struggling with these issues are more likely to develop several disorders that include substance abuse and delinquency. Furthermore, teenagers are at a higher risk of physical injury and suicide.

Although family history has a significant role in the development of mental health problems, there are warning signs that you can look out for that could point to a possible family history of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating problems, substance abuse, and other psychological problems. Teenage girls are at high risk of suffering from serious depression. According to a study, girls between the ages of 12 and 19 years are at a high risk of depression. Some of the warning signs for teenage girls include puberty, pregnancy, early menopause, early signs of menstruation, lower educational level, sexual abuse, sexual orientation, unemployment, poverty, poor family history, or a history of parental suicide.

Some of the warning signs for teenagers may also include self-injurious behavior or self harm. This type of behavior usually occurs during times of emotional distress such as school work or school holidays. A depressive disorder is diagnosed when a person suffers from persistent states of sadness or unhappiness that interfere with their performance in social activities, relationships, work and school. Other mental illnesses include bipolar disorder, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, etc.

If a person suffers from any of the mental health problems, there are certain risk factors that may increase the severity of the symptoms of the mental disorder. There are three general risk factors that can increase the chance of developing a mental illness or disorder. These factors are heredity, genetic factors, and early experiences that may cause trauma to the person. According to a study, people who are predisposed to depression have higher chances of developing it as adults.

There are certain biological factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders. These biological factors are abnormal brain chemistry, abnormalities in neurotransmitters, changes in hormonal levels, inadequate levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as changes in DNA structure. As one can see, these biological factors affect a brain chemical and electrical activity and can result to an imbalance in neurotransmitters. The imbalance of neurotransmitters causes a reduction in receptor sensitivity that can result to mental disorders.

Major depression, also known as clinical depression, occurs when a person has experienced significant life changes such as a major loss of a loved one, unemployment, a divorce, a death of a friend or relative, or a constant feeling of helplessness. Other symptoms of major depression include sleep disturbance, fatigue, increased use of medications and a decreased interest in daily activities. Other symptoms of major depression include impulsivity, interpersonal problems such as malignant behavior and paranoia, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts.

People who have been diagnosed with any mental health problems need to be treated and receive treatment so that they can cope better with their condition and live a better quality of life. There are various types of mental disorders and they have different characteristics as well as their own individual effects on the individual. If you think you may have a mental illness, you should first consult your doctor to identify the problem and get proper treatment from your doctor. Your doctor can help you cope with your mental disorders as well as give you ways of coping with your mental illness.