Ten of the Most Common Types of Mental Health Problems
If someone seems to adjust to his environment satisfactorily, and his behavior is acceptable, then he would be considered to be in a sound mental health state. It is hard to distinguish between having mental health problems and occasionally being in a bad mood. If you believe a person you know may have an issue, you must observe him. If his unusual thoughts, feelings, or behavior lasts for more than two weeks, he will most likely have a problem that needs medical attention. If you find yourself thinking strange thoughts and reacting strangely to situations around you, you may need medical help if that behavior does not improve on its own in about two weeks. The sooner you realize that you or a loved one is having a problem, the easier it is to recover.
Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling that a person experiences. It is a feeling of dread that may arise due to a specific reason like a recent traumatic experience, regular stress, or no apparent reason. If the anxiety gets so profound that the individual cannot carry on with his daily activities, he needs to visit a doctor.
Depression is that feeling of intense sadness and lack of interest in activities that once interested a person. Everyone feels sad sometimes, which may be due to the passing away of a loved one, a pet, or anything else. However, this feeling should pass with time. If it doesn't disappear or gets worse, then the person needs to see a doctor.
While almost everyone tries different substances like tobacco and alcohol sometime in their lives and may even use these substances quite regularly, it can be misused. If the person is using the stuff to drown his sorrows and in such a way that it interferes with his normal activities, then it's time to take action.
Some people eat too much or too little when they are anxious. If this happens within limits, then there is no cause for concern. If this affects the person's health and ability to function, then it is a problem.
This mental illness usually comes with periods of psychosis. Individuals also experience hallucinations, delusions, withdrawal from society, and disorganized thinking. It is disconcerting for the patient as well as for those who live with him.
Intense mood swings characterize bipolar disorder. For some time, the patient will feel thrilled and then suddenly go into depression and lose all confidence. It is mania if psychosis is present as well. If that condition is not so severe, then it is hypomania.
This disorder develops after the person goes through some trauma. The person will feel severe anxiety, have flashbacks of the traumatic event, and maybe even nightmares.
An occurrence of panic attacks and sudden, severe fear is called panic disorder. The person will have a racing heart, start trembling, sweating, feel that he cannot breathe, etc.
A person may have OCD if he performs specific actions repeatedly, like closing a door. He may have repetitive thoughts, as well. This problem will need medical intervention if it interferes with that person's daily life.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder usually runs in families. The patient will not be able to concentrate on anything for long. He will indulge in certain activities, even though they disrupt his healthy life.
We can deal with mental health issues with professional help. With the right medication and counseling, they can improve with time.