Online Psychiatrist 76649

Online Psychiatrist 76649

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. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications and talk therapy (psychotherapy).

Symptoms

Depending on the condition, circumstance, and other factors, signs and symptoms of mental illness may vary. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Some examples of symptoms and signs include:

Feeling sad or down

Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate

Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt

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

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 76649

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?

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 immediately or your nearest emergency number.

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.

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 thinking doesn't get better on its own -- so 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 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 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, 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

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

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.

Use of alcohol or 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.

The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long lasting. 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 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 conflict

Relationship problems

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

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. 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.

Get routine medical care. Don't neglect checkups or skip visits to your primary care provider, especially if you aren't 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. Maintain a consistent schedule. Talk to your Online Psychiatrist 76649 if you are having trouble sleeping, or if there are questions about diet and exercise.

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