Online Psychiatrist Grand Prairie TX

Online Psychiatrist Grand Prairie TX

Mental illness is also known as mental health disorders. These conditions 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.

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

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.

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

Feeling down or sad

Reduced ability to focus or confused thinking

Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt

Extreme mood changes of highs and lows

Withdrawal from friends and activities

Significant tiredness, low energy or problems 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 or drug use

Major changes in eating habits

Changes are driven by sex

Excessive anger, hostility, or violence

Suicidal thinking

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 Grand Prairie TX

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.

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 friend or family member.

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

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.

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. 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 difficulties, the death of a loved one, or divorce can cause stress.

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 military combat or assault

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. 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. 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

Problems with legal and financial matters

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

Other medical conditions, such as heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases

Prevention

Mental illness is not preventable. 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. 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. 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. 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. A long-term maintenance treatment may also be helpful in preventing relapses.

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 Grand Prairie TX if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.

Ready to speak to an expert Online Psychiatrist Grand Prairie TX from the comfort of your own home? Contact Aura MD, rated the best Online Psychiatrist Grand Prairie TX 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

Online Psychiatrist Dallas Texas

Houston Psychiatrists

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