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Online Psychiatrist 76225
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.
People have mental health issues from time to another. A mental health problem can become a mental illness if you have persistent symptoms that cause stress and interfere with your ability to function.
An illness that causes mental distress can make it difficult to live a normal life. Most cases can be treated with medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy).
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
Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
Extreme guilt or excessive fears and worries
Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
Withdrawal from friends and activities
Low energy, significant tiredness or trouble sleeping
Paranoia, hallucinations, and detachment from reality are all examples of this.
Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
Problems understanding and relating with people and situations
Problems with alcohol and drug abuse
Major changes in 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 to see a Online Psychiatrist 76225
You should see your primary care provider if you are experiencing any symptoms or signs of a mental disorder. Mental illnesses are not easy to treat. If left untreated, they can get worse and lead to serious complications.
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.
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.
Seek help from your primary care provider.
Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
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.
Helping 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 help your loved one locate a qualified mental healthcare professional and schedule an appointment. You may even be able to go along 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. Your life circumstances may cause you to be more susceptible to developing a mental disorder.
Environmental exposures prior to birth. Sometimes, mental illness can be caused by prolonged exposure to stressors, inflammatory conditions or drugs, as well as to toxins, alcohol, and other drugs.
Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. If the neural networks that contain these chemicals become impaired, it can lead to depression and other emotional disorders.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, including:
A history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling
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 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 very common. In any given year, 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental disorder. Although mental illness can occur at any age, including childhood and later adult years of life, most cases start 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
Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Untreated mental illness may lead to severe emotional, behavioral, and physical health problems. Mental illness can sometimes lead to complications such as:
Unhappiness and decreased enjoyment of life
Family conflicts
Relationship problems
Social isolation
Problems with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Absent work or school or other problems related 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
Heart disease and other medical conditions
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:
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. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. 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.
Seek help immediately. It is more difficult to treat mental health conditions if they 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. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your Online Psychiatrist 76225 if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.
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