Behavioral health disorders, also known as mental illnesses, affect 20 percent of the U.S. population. They affect the way people think, feel, and act, and they can make functioning difficult. Accurate diagnosis of these disorders is an essential part of treating them. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine whether you may have a mental health disorder. You can learn more about the different types of mental health disorders and how to deal with them.
Depression
The relationship between poverty and suicides related to depression and mental health has been widely reported, though many other risk factors are involved as well. Farmer suicides related to social economic problems, for example, must be viewed in the context of poor identification of other risk factors, poor management of other factors, and inadequate mental health services in rural communities. However, if you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression or other mental health issues, the first step is to seek a professional's opinion.
This study was based on data from a representative sample of adolescent women who reported having experienced at least one episode of depression. Those who had an episode of depression during adolescence were likely to experience another episode by age 21. Furthermore, depression during adolescence is associated with an increased risk for anxiety disorders. Just under half of adolescents who experience an episode of depression before the age of 18 develop an anxiety disorder as well.
Anxiety disorders
Despite their widespread prevalence, anxiety disorders are often overlooked as a health issue. In fact, nearly 13 million people in the U.S. suffered from anxiety disorders last year. In fact, anxiety disorders are eight times more common than all cases of cancer combined. Unfortunately, many children do not receive proper treatment and are at risk for social isolation and academic underperformance. These children may also miss out on valuable developmental experiences because they suffer from excessive worry.
Diagnosing anxiety disorders involves asking a series of questions. Healthcare providers also use assessment tools to determine which symptoms are present and how intense they are. They also want to know whether these symptoms interfere with daily life. Unlike a lab test, anxiety disorders cannot be ruled out by other conditions. A healthcare provider may observe your behavior and use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to determine the exact nature of the problem.
Schizophrenia
If you suspect you or someone you know has schizophrenia, it's crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. If your symptoms are severe, you may be forced to seek emergency hospitalization. Your state's laws regarding involuntary commitment will dictate your next step. You should contact your local police department and community mental health agency to get details. People with schizophrenia are highly vulnerable to suicide attempts, so it is important to seek emergency treatment immediately.
Many people suffering from schizophrenia fail to understand that they have the illness. If they are not aware that they are delusional, they are unlikely to seek help. In these cases, the Mental Health Act allows doctors to take them to hospital, but only if they pose a threat to their own or others. Treatments for schizophrenia vary widely, from antipsychotics to talking treatments like CBT. The first step in treating schizophrenia is to determine which type of medication is the best fit for your needs.
OCD
The best treatment for OCD involves exposure and response prevention, which is a type of therapy that helps the sufferer gradually expose themselves to the things they fear, but avoid compulsions. Exposure can be rendered useless if a person ruminates about the anxious thing. Some people find help in watching films about psychiatric institutions or by watching clips of psychotic breaks. Other people find that reading about specific mental health disorders can help them understand their condition.
Another advocate for better understanding OCD is Tom Smalley, a strength and conditioning specialist from Canada. He received an OCD diagnosis at a young age and went on to use his training to make a difference for others. His advocacy work started with the IOCDF 2014 OCD Awareness Video Contest, which resulted in other videos. He has also worked with Dr. Baer, as a writer and member of the advisory board for Ontario's health quality standards.
PTSD
If you are struggling with PTSD and other mental illnesses, you're not alone. There are a number of resources available to help you find the right treatment and manage your symptoms. Call the IAFF's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (7325). Trained staff members are available to answer your questions and provide referrals. Callers can also talk to other veterans. The hotline also offers Spanish-speaking support and accommodations for the hearing-impaired.
Psychotherapy is often called talk therapy. It involves talking to a mental health professional about the traumatic experience. This therapy may be one-on-one or in a group setting. Individual psychotherapy for PTSD lasts anywhere from six to twelve weeks. Support from friends and family is often vital for recovery. There are many types of psychotherapy. Some target the symptoms of PTSD directly, while others address family and social issues. Some therapists may combine several types of therapy for best results.
