Mental health problems can cover a large collection of disorders. However, a common characteristic is that a mental health problem will impact a person’s character and personality, as well as their thought processes and social interactions.
Such issues are challenging to diagnose, whereas physical illnesses can be easily seen, identified and treated. While there are different treatment options available to those with mental health problems, many of which are effective, the dialogue between mental health issues and the public is not an easy one to have.
When left undiagnosed, many people with an unexplained mental health disorder can turn to addiction as a means to cope. Therefore, the first step for combatting mental health issues is recognizing the signs of symptoms. This can not only help you but also your friends and family. If everyone took the time to understand the signs of depression, anxiety and so on, then unidentified mental health issues could move towards being eliminated.
Common Mental Health Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is characterized by an incapacity to focus on a task. Someone with ADHD may also showcase impulsive behavior and an inability to sit still. This is usual in children, but it can occur in adults too.
Anxiety/Panic Disorder
There are many types of anxiety/panic disorders. Some of which are caused by social interactions while others can have no cause at all. Anxiety disorders are defined by repeated and irregular but erratic attacks of intense fear. This fear is stemmed from feelings of something bad happening or a sense of doom.
Depression
People who suffer from depression are constantly met with a sad and low mood, a lack of interest in everyday life, and bouts of fatigue. There is a usual and constant feeling of pessimism, and depression can last for weeks, months, years or, if you have dysthymia, a milder but long-lasting form of depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes a cycle of depressive and manic phases. A person with bipolar disorder can be extremely active during episodes of mania with heightened moods. However, their mood can change to deep sadness when they are in a depressive phase. Episodes can last up to several weeks or months, with some period of stability.
Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Disorder
Emotional Symptoms
Mental health disorders come in different categories. Therefore, someone with a mood disorder may not have the same signs and symptoms as someone with impulse control. However, if you or someone shows the following signs, they may have a mental health disorder.
* Changes in mood
* Erratic behavior
* Impulsive actions * Chronic anxiety/panic attacks
* Unusual high or low moods
* Low self-esteem
* Substance abuse as a means to self-medicate
Physical Symptoms
Usually, mental health disorders do not cause typical physical symptoms. Instead, physical symptoms can indirectly cause changes in a person’s appearance.
Depression, for example, can cause:
* Weight loss or gain
* Fatigue
* A loss of libido
* Moving or speaking more slowly
* Aches and pains (without reason)
* Disturbed sleep
Whereas, eating disorders can cause:
* Malnutrition
* Weight loss
* Electrolyte imbalances
* Amenorrhea (in women)
* Brittle nails
* Thin hair
* Dizziness and/or fainting
* Lanugo
Living with a mental disorder is never easy for anyone involved. It is, however, imperative that the person exhibiting signs and symptoms get the help they desperately need. As previously mentioned, there is a well-known connection between substance abuse and mental health issues. This co-existing between mental illnesses and substance abuse happens because people are seeking ways to self-medicate. It is, therefore, vital for people to check into a rehab center they are comfortable with, be it a reputable Jewish drug rehab center so that you do not have to compromise Jewish values, or specialist rehab centers for specific addictions.
Both physical and emotional symptoms of a mental health disorder can have short and long-term effects. Mental health problems can cause people to alienate themselves, while also causing them to feel anger, sadness and feelings of helplessness. These feelings are usually short-term, although they can be reoccurring.
Sometimes, people consider drug use as an escape and many couples engage in drug use together to cope with life. It is important to learn the signs and symptoms so that you can get help through drug rehab for couples as well as yourself.
It is important to learn the signs and symptoms so that you can help others as well as yourself. Speaking to a mental health professional can help you find ways to cope, be it through therapy or medication. You are never alone when it comes to mental health.
Mandy X
Photo by Asdrubal luna 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.
