Online Psychiatrist 76239

Online Psychiatrist 76239

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. 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. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

Feeling sad or down

Reduced ability to focus or confused thinking

Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt

Extreme mood swings of lows and highs

Withdrawal from friends and activities

Low energy, significant tiredness or trouble sleeping

Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations

Inability to cope with daily problems or stress

Problems understanding and relating with people and situations

Problems with alcohol or drug use

Major changes in our 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 76239

If you have any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, see your primary care provider or mental health professional. 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.

Get help from your primary physician.

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.

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. 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 may even be able to go along 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. Your life circumstances may cause you to be more susceptible to developing a mental disorder.

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. If the neural networks that contain these chemicals become impaired, it can lead 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 problems, a loved one's death or a divorce

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. Although mental illness can occur at any age, including childhood and later adult years of life, most cases start earlier in life.

The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long lasting. It is possible to have multiple mental disorders at once. 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. Complications sometimes linked to mental illness include:

Unhappiness and decreased enjoyment of life

Family conflict

Relationship difficulties

Social isolation

Problems with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

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

Legal and financial problems

Poverty and homelessness

Self-harm, 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

Mental illness is not preventable. 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. You will know what to do in case your symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. 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. There may be a new condition that you need to address or side effects from 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 care of yourself. Healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are all important. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your Online Psychiatrist 76239 if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.

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