The extent of mental health issues is greater than most people imagine. Differences in the type and level of development amongst people are what contribute significantly to the underestimation of its spread in the population. Mental illnesses entail a broad range of mental disorders affecting your thinking, behavior, and mood. Examples of such conditions include schizophrenia, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviors.
Most of the major mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia rarely appear and become severe at once. Often, friends, teachers, family or the victim will begin to note small changes. They also feel that something is not right about their feelings, thinking or behavior before the full-blown form of the illness. Knowledge of the symptoms and early detection can help one to take action. Early intervention will allow for a reduction in the severity of the disease. In some cases, it can potentially delay or even prevent the occurrence of a major illness.
Causes of Mental Illness
Mental disorders can result from a mixture of physiological, biological, and environmental factors. Members of a family with a history of mental illnesses are more vulnerable to the development of the condition at some point in their lifetime. Another potential cause of mental illnesses changes in brain chemistry due to change in diet or substance abuse. Environmental and psychological factors including social exposure and one's upbringing make up the foundation for harmful thought patterns often associated with mental illnesses.
Signs and Symptoms of Mental Disorders
Several occurrences may point to mental issues and it is advisable that you follow-up with a certified mental health professional in case you notice them. Check out for the following:
- Dramatic changes in your sleep and appetite or a decline in personal care
- Mood changes characterized by rapid shifts in emotions or depression
- Loss of the desire to take part in any activity
- Heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, touch, and sights
- An unprecedented drop in performance at work, school, or social events such as failure in school, quitting sports and experiencing difficulty when performing familiar tasks
- Loss of interest and withdrawal from activities that you previously enjoyed
- A vague feeling of disconnect from yourself or your surroundings
- Suspiciousness, fear of others or feeling extremely nervous
- Having memory, speech, logical thought or concentration issues that are difficult to explain
While all the above are symptoms that can point to mental disorder, you cannot judge one's mental status based merely on any of the symptoms. Instead, observation of any of them should inform the need to evaluate the situation further.
In case you experience any of the symptoms regularly, make sure to visit your primary caregiver or even visit a psychiatrist. Mental health issues rarely improve on their own, and if left untreated may worsen with time and have severe consequences.
Tip: You need to look out not just for yourself but for other people around you for signs that could point to mental health issues. It is crucial that you act in their best interest and enable them to access proper care. You can check online for a free essay on the topic to learn more.
