What exactly is mental health? How do you know when you have slipped into mental illness? Mental health isn’t a static state, it fluctuates. Life is made of ups and downs but when you feel you can’t function day to day, it may mean you need a little extra support.
There are many forms of mental illness – organic mental illness has a physiological foundation such as Schizophrenia. Organic mental illness is due to a decreased mental function due to disease or medical reasons. There are other types of mental illness though that are more related to your thoughts. Disorders such as depression, anxiety (health anxiety, social anxiety, psychosis, OCD, PTSD etc) are mood disorders affected by chemicals in the brain.
5 Warning Signs of Mental Health Risk
- A Change in Personality. If someone is acting like a very different person, or not acting or feeling like themself.
- Uncharacteristic Anxiety, Anger, or Moodiness.
- Social Withdrawal and Isolation.
- Lack of Self-Care or Risky Behaviors.
- A Sense of Hopelessness or Feeling Overwhelmed.
Types of mental illness
- mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
- anxiety disorders.
- personality disorders.
- psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
- eating disorders.
- trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder)
- substance abuse disorders.
Thankfully mental illness is treatable through different mental health services. Most people diagnosed with a mental health condition can experience relief from their symptoms and live a satisfying life by actively participating in an individualized treatment plan.
Types of treatment
Photo by Imani Clovis on Unsplash
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
