The most common mental health problems are general anxiety disorder, depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, and major depressive disorder; and then followed by bipolar disorder and social anxiety. Now, 1.4% of U.S. Adults are afflicted with the consequences of schizophrenia. Other common mental health problems are: post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorder, intermittent insomnia, chronic fatigue, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.
Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that causes disorganized thought patterns, affects cognitive function, causes behavioral changes, results in self-isolation, and causes significant disabilities. It can affect people from all ages, races, gender, education levels, socioeconomic status, and has no known cure. Some of the more common mental health issues caused by schizophrenia are: auditory hallucinations, disorganized speech patterns, catatonia, delusions, and hypnoses. A person with schizophrenia may also suffer from a condition known as a positive syndrome. This condition is when patients exhibit traits related to creativity, increased mental acuity, and an increased sense of purpose or meaning. Positive syndrome has been found to be more prevalent in adults and adolescents.
Mood disorders are some of the most prevalent mental health issues in the United States. Major depression affects about 15% of adults. The most severe form of depression is considered clinically depression. Symptoms of depression include restless sleep, sadness, loss of interest in hobbies or other activities, fatigue, constant thoughts about negative things, feeling helpless, irritability, and hopelessness. In addition to these symptoms, mood disorders can lead to more serious physical ailments, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Anxiety is another of the mental health issues that affects many adults. About 13% of adults experience anxiety, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. These symptoms include restlessness, trouble concentrating, excessive worrying, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Other signs of anxiety include feeling nervous around strangers, having unrealistic fears, trouble making logical judgments, or being easily startled. These symptoms can interfere with day-to-day activities, affecting the ability to function normally.
Stereotyping, discrimination, and bias comes into play when it comes to dealing with mental health issues. Because of this, it’s important for people to take steps to reduce stigma. A recent campaign called “ASEI – Appropriate Tools for Addressing Stereotypes” encourages individuals with various mental illnesses to report instances of discrimination. The goal is for the information to become more widespread so that more people will be aware of the problems and symptoms. The group has launched a website where anyone can report problems.
Another example of a mental health issue that needs to be discussed is drug addiction. People who suffer from addiction can face serious challenges in society because of their addiction. For example, drug addiction is seen as a social problem instead of a medical condition, which lead to inaccurate judgments and harsh punishments for those who have a substance abuse problem. It can be difficult for people who have a substance abuse problem to find work, maintain employment, and overcome the emotional and financial consequences of drug addiction.
Finally, depression is another common mental illness that impacts millions of Americans every year. Anyone who is diagnosed with depression can benefit from receiving treatment including counseling, support groups, and medication. Some medications, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs, can be beneficial for treating depression. However, there are many types of natural therapies available for those who suffer from chronic depression or anxiety.
When it comes to mental disorders, research shows that there are a variety of conditions that can be associated with these disorders. Therefore, it is important to identify these conditions and seek treatment as soon as possible. While it can be challenging for someone to understand mental disorders, understanding depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental disorders is important for everyone’s mental well-being.