Online Psychiatrist 76066

Online Psychiatrist 76066

Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions -- disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Mental illness includes depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.

Many people have mental health concerns from time to time. A mental health problem can become a mental illness if you have persistent symptoms that cause stress and interfere with 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. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Signs

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

Withdrawal from friends and activities

Significant tiredness, low energy or problems 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 and drug abuse

Major changes in eating habits

Sex drive changes

Excessive anger, hostility, or violence

Suicidal thoughts

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains.

When to see a Online Psychiatrist 76066

You should see your primary care provider if you are experiencing any symptoms or signs of a mental disorder. Most mental illnesses don't improve on their own, and if untreated, a mental illness may get worse over time and cause serious problems.

If you have suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:

Call 911 immediately or your nearest emergency number.

Contact your mental health professional.

You can call a suicide hotline. 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.

Get help from your primary physician.

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Reach out to a minister, spiritual leader, or another member of your faith community.

Suicidal thinking doesn't get better on its own -- so 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. While you may not be in a position to force someone to seek professional help, it is possible to offer support and encouragement. 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.

Take your loved one to the hospital if they are attempting self-harm, or if you suspect that they may be doing so.

Causes

Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors:

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 are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. 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:

A history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling

Stressful life situations such as financial difficulties, the death of a loved one, or divorce can cause stress.

An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes

Traumatic brain injury (brain damage) is caused by a serious injury, such as a head injury or a violent blow.

Traumatic experiences such as combat or assault in military service are examples.

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 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.

Mental illness can have both temporary and long-lasting effects. You also can have more than one mental health disorder at the same time. You may have both depression and a substance abuse disorder, for example.

Complications

Disability is most often caused by mental illness. Untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems. Complications sometimes linked to mental illness include:

Reduced happiness and enjoyment of life

Family conflicts

Relationship difficulties

Social isolation

Problems with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs

Missed work or school, or other problems related to work or school

Legal and financial problems

Poverty and homelessness

Self-harm and harm to others, including suicide or homicide

Weakened immune system, so your body has a hard time resisting infections

Other medical conditions, such as heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent mental illness. However, if you have a mental illness, taking steps to control stress, increase your resilience, and boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control. Follow these steps:

Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or psychiatrist to learn what might trigger your symptoms. 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. To be on the lookout for warning signs, you might consider inviting your family and friends.

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 good care of yourself. Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity are important. Maintain a consistent schedule. Talk to your Online Psychiatrist 76066 if you are having trouble sleeping, or if there are questions about diet and exercise.

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