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Online Psychiatrist 74721
Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions -- disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors.
Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. But a mental health concern becomes a mental illness when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function.
A mental illness can make you miserable and can cause problems in your daily life, such as at school or work or in relationships. Most cases can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Emotions, thoughts, and behavior can be affected by mental illness.
Some examples of symptoms and signs include:
Feeling down or sad
Reduced ability to focus or confused thinking
Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
Retire from friends and other activities
Low energy, significant tiredness or trouble sleeping
Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
Inability to deal with everyday problems or stress
Problems understanding and relating with people and situations
Problems with alcohol or drug use
Major changes in our eating habits
Changes are driven by sex
Excessive anger, hostility, or violence
Suicidal thinking
Sometimes, symptoms of a mental disorder manifest as physical problems such as stomach pain, backache, or other unexplained aches, pains, and discomforts.
When should you see a Online Psychiatrist 74721?
If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or mental health professional. Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause serious problems.
Suicidal thoughts?
Some mental illnesses can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Contact your mental health professional.
Call a suicide hotline number. In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or use its webchat on suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.
Seek help from your primary care provider.
Reach out to a friend or family member.
Reach out to a minister, spiritual leader, or another member of your faith community.
Suicidal thoughts are not something that can be treated on its own. Get help.
Supporting a loved one
If your loved one shows signs of mental illness, have an open and honest discussion with him or her about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to get professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. You might even be able go with your loved one to the appointment.
If your loved one has done self-harm or is considering doing so, take the person to the hospital or call for emergency help.
Causes
A variety of environmental and genetic factors are believed to cause mental illnesses.
Genetic traits. Mental illness are more common in those whose family members have a mental disorder. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.
Environmental exposures before birth. Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness.
Brain Chemistry. Neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring brain chemicals, transmit signals to other parts and bodies of the brain. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to depression and other emotional disorders.
Risk factors
Some factors can increase your chances of developing a mental disorder, such as:
An ancestor with mental illness, such as a parent/sibling, has a history
Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one's death or a divorce
An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes
Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head
Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or assault
Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs
A childhood history of abuse or neglect
Few friends or few healthy relationships
A previous mental illness
Mental illness is very common. In any given year, 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental disorder. Mental illness can begin at any age, from childhood through later adult years, but most cases begin earlier in life.
The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long lasting. You also can have more than one mental health disorder at the same time. For example, you may have depression and a substance use disorder.
Complications
Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems. Mental illness can sometimes lead to complications such as:
Unhappiness and decreased enjoyment of life
Family conflict
Relationship problems
Social isolation
Problems with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Missed work or school, or other problems related to work or school
Problems with legal and financial matters
Poverty and homelessness
Self-harm and harm to others, including suicide or homicide
Your immune system is weak, and your body will have a difficult time resisting infection
Other medical conditions, such as heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases
Prevention
There's no sure way to prevent mental illness. If you suffer from a mental illness, there are steps you can take to reduce stress, improve your resilience and increase self-esteem. These are the steps to follow:
Be aware of warning signs. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Make a plan so that you know what to do if symptoms return. If you notice any changes in your symptoms, or how you feel, contact your doctor or therapist. Consider involving family members or friends to watch for warning signs.
Seek routine medical care, even if you're not feeling well. You may have a new health problem that needs to be treated, or you may be experiencing side effects of medication.
Get help when you need it. Mental health conditions can be harder to treat if you wait until symptoms get worse. Long-term maintenance treatment also may help prevent a relapse of symptoms.
Take care of yourself. Healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are all important. Maintain a consistent schedule. Talk to your Online Psychiatrist 74721 if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.
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