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Online Psychiatrist 76644
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.
People have mental health issues from time to another. 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).
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
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
Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
Problems with alcohol and drug abuse
Major changes in our eating habits
Changes are driven by sex
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 should you see a Online Psychiatrist 76644?
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
Some mental illnesses can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior. Get help immediately if you suspect that you might harm yourself or try suicide.
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Call your mental health specialist.
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 thoughts are not something that can be treated on its own. Get help.
Supporting a loved one
Talk to your loved one if they show signs of mental illness. 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.
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
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 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:
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.
A chronic (permanent) 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
An egregious childhood history of neglect or abuse
Few friends, or few healthy relationships
A previous mental illness
Mental illness is common. About 1 in 5 adults has a mental illness in any given year. 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
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 tobacco, alcohol and other drugs
Absent work or school or other problems related 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
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. You will know what to do in case your 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.
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 76644 if you are having trouble sleeping, or if there are questions about diet and exercise.
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