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Telepsychiatry Calera OK
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. 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
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 our eating habits
Changes are driven by sex
Excessive anger or hostility, violence
Suicidal thoughts
Sometimes, symptoms of a mental disorder manifest as physical problems such as stomach pain, backache, or other unexplained aches, pains, and discomforts.
When to see a Telepsychiatry Calera OK
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.
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 immediately or your nearest emergency number.
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 thinking doesn't get better on its own -- so get help.
Helping 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 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 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
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
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
Use of alcohol or 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. 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 conflicts
Relationship difficulties
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
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. If you suffer from a mental illness, there are steps you can take to reduce stress, improve your resilience and increase self-esteem. Follow these steps:
Be aware of warning signs. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. 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. 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.
Get help when you need it. Mental health conditions can be harder to treat if you wait until symptoms 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. Maintain a consistent schedule. Talk to your Telepsychiatry Calera OK if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.
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