Telepsychiatry Covington TX

Telepsychiatry Covington TX

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.

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).

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.

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

Feeling sad or down

Reduced ability to focus or confused thinking

Extreme guilt or excessive fears and worries

Extreme mood changes of highs and lows

Retire from friends and other activities

Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping

Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations

Inability to cope with daily problems or stress

Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people

Problems with alcohol or drug use

Major changes in eating habits

Changes are driven by sex

Excessive anger or hostility, violence

Suicidal thinking

Sometimes, symptoms of a mental disorder manifest as physical problems such as stomach pain, backache, or other unexplained aches, pains, and discomforts.

When should you see a Telepsychiatry Covington TX?

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

Some mental illnesses can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior. If you think you may hurt yourself or attempt suicide, get help right away:

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.

Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone else in your faith community.

Suicidal thoughts are not something that can be treated on its own. 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 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. Your life circumstances may cause you to be more susceptible to developing a mental disorder.

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. 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:

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.

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 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 very 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.

Mental illness can have both temporary and long-lasting effects. 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

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Untreated mental illness may lead to 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

Poverty and homelessness

Self-harm, suicide or homicide.

Weakened immune system, so your body has a hard time resisting infections

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. 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. Consider involving family members or friends to watch for warning signs.

Seek routine medical care, even if you're not 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. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your Telepsychiatry Covington TX if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.

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