Online Psychiatrist 76436

Online Psychiatrist 76436

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

Depending on the condition, circumstance, and other factors, signs and symptoms of mental illness may vary. Emotions, thoughts, and behavior can be affected by mental illness.

Some examples of symptoms and signs 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

Retire from friends and other activities

Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping

Paranoia, hallucinations, and detachment from reality are all examples of this.

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

Sex drive changes

Excessive anger or hostility, 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 76436

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. Get help immediately if you suspect that you might harm yourself or try suicide.

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.

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

Talk to your loved one if they show signs of mental illness. 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.

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

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

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, including:

An ancestor with mental illness, such as a parent/sibling, has a history

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 military combat or assault

Consumption of alcohol and recreational drugs

An egregious childhood history of neglect or abuse

Few friends, or few healthy relationships

A previous mental illness

Mental illness is very common. About 1 in 5 adults has a mental illness in any given year. 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. It is possible to have multiple mental disorders at once. 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:

Reduced happiness and 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

Homelessness and poverty

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

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. 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.

Get routine medical care. Don't neglect checkups or skip visits to your primary care provider, especially if you aren't 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 76436 if you are having trouble sleeping, or if there are questions about diet and exercise.

Ready to speak to an expert Online Psychiatrist 76436 from the comfort of your own home? Contact Aura MD, rated the best Online Psychiatrist 76436 today:

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD - Psychiatrist Dallas - Online Telepsychiatry Texas

3232 McKinney Ave #1160, Dallas, TX 75204

https://auramd.com/locations/texas/dallas +12143820103

R632+F5 Dallas, Texas

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD - Psychiatrist Houston - Online Telepsychiatry Texas

952 Echo Ln Suite 210, Houston, TX 77024

https://auramd.com/locations/texas/houston +18322637862

QFJH+XR Hedwig Village, Texas

Aura MD | Ashley Toutounchi, MD - Psychiatrist Austin - Online Telepsychiatry Texas

200 Lee Barton Dr #100, Austin, TX 78704

https://auramd.com/locations/texas/austin

ADHD psychiatrists

Houston Psychiatrists

sites.google.com/view/psychiatrist-dallas-tx