Types of Mental Health Problems 

types of mental health problems

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as,

"a state of well-being that enables everyone to recognize their own capacities, to achieve fulfillment, to overcome the normal tensions of life, to perform productive work. According to this definition, being in good mental health is therefore not just about not having an illness.''

Mental illness is defined by changes that affect thinking, mood ' or behavior of a person and causing him distress or suffering. Mental illness manifests itself by:

•             Signs of change, which those around you can observe in the behavior of the affected person;

•             Symptoms, which the person feels.

For example, relatives of an affected person may notice that they are isolating themselves. The affected person, on the other hand, may have difficulty concentrating, or feel sad or anxious.

The health care professional or doctor considers all the signs and symptoms to assess the person's condition and make a diagnosis.

Types of Mental Health Problems

 

The most famous mental illnesses are:

·         Anxiety disorders

·         Phobia

·         Generalized anxiety

·         Panic disorder and agoraphobia

·         Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

·         Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

·         Mood disorders

·         Depression

·         Bipolar disorders

·         Psychotic disorders

·         Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

There are also other types of mental illnesses, for example, eating disorders.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can be more or less intense. Their intensity varies according to:

·         The type of mental illness

·         The personality of the affected person

·         The ties and relationships of the person with his family and his entourage;

·         Social and economic factors such as living environment and financial capacities, etc.

Here are some signs of behavior change that people around a person with mental illness may see:

·         Isolation

·         Drug or alcohol abuse

·         Stopping the medication

·         Disorganization is to say a major difficulty in organizing and functioning normally. The person may lack judgment or have strange ideas;

·         Memory loss

·         Difficulty taking care of family, professional and social obligations.

Here are some of the common symptoms that an affected person may experience:

·         Loss of appetite;

·         Insomnia;

·         Nausea;

·         Dizziness;

·         Sadness;

·         Euphoria (state of great excitement);

·         Difficulty concentrating

When to consult

Do not wait until you have become unable to do your usual activities to consult resources for help or information. Do not hesitate to do this, even if you are not sure you need it. Unfortunately, many people wait until they are in an emergency before seeking help. Here are some clues that may indicate you should consult:

Your symptoms have been going on for a while;

Your anxiety attacks are repeated;

You are in distress;

You feel that the comfort of those close to you is no longer enough for you;

You start to have difficulty with your daily activities;

People around you see that you need help and tell you.

Remember that psychological suffering is often accompanied by physical symptoms. These symptoms often have the effect of reducing the ability to adapt to everyday situations. Pay attention to these symptoms and don't hesitate to seek help.

Types of Mental Health Treatments

 

There are recognized treatments available to treat mental illness or relieve its symptoms. Treatments allow people with the disease to regain control over their lives and daily activities. The earlier the sufferer consults, the better their chances of recovery.

In the majority of cases, mental illness is treated very effectively with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of these 2 treatments.

Recommendations For Taking Medication

If your doctor prescribes medication for you, you must take it carefully as directed.

Even if you feel better, you should continue the treatment as prescribed to prevent your symptoms from reoccurring.

If you have any unwanted side effects from the medications, see your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible to discuss them. If necessary, your doctor may adjust your medication or recommend another medication.

Complications

People with mental illness sometimes develop problems with excessive alcohol or drug use or dependence on these substances.

People who have both a mental illness and an addiction are at greater risk

·         Not to benefit from the positive effects of their treatments

·         To be hospitalized

·         Experience social difficulties, for example homelessness, violence, or problems with the law

·         Having suicidal thoughts or behavior

 

Risk factors

The exact causes of each mental illness are not known. The result from a combination of several factors that can promote the development of a mental illness, for example

·         Heredity, that is, whether other members of the family have or have had mental illnesses

 

·         Biological factors, which modify the chemical balance of the brain (prolonged state of stress, consumption of substances, etc.)

·         Characteristics of the person's temperament, for example low self-esteem, difficulty adapting to different life situations

·         Chronic diseases or physical health problems, for example cancer, diseases affecting the thyroid gland, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases

The presence of stressors in the person's life, which may be related

·         Their family environment (examples: the death of a loved one, a childhood marked by abuse, domestic violence, frequent exposure to conflict);

·         Their social environment (examples: homelessness, isolation);

·         Their professional or financial environment (examples: job loss, low income);

·         The addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling and money

People at risk

Some people are more likely to have a mental illness

·         Children and adolescents who have had difficult family experiences or who are exposed to violence at school

·         People who take care of a family alone

·         People who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence

·         Adults who do not work or lose their jobs

·         Low-income people

·         Elderly people alone or with a loss of autonomy

·         Children who have or have had a mental illness are more likely to have social or other health problems when they are adults.