An estimated 48 million people in the U.S. suffer from anxiety disorders every year. Approximately 21 million people experience major depressive disorder, 9 million have post-traumatic stress disorder, and 7 million are diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Disturbances to a person’s mental wellbeing can have a range of negative consequences, such as diminished functioning in society and impoverishment, premature mortality, and risk of suicide. If you are reading this article because a friend or family member is struggling with a mental illness, here are some ways how you can help them.
Now that we’ve discussed mental health, you might be wondering, “What is mental illness?” Well, mental illness is a term that refers to emotional distress, the disturbance of thought processes or patterns, and an inability to function that may or may not be associated with the use of alcohol or other drugs. When talking about mental illness definitions, mental health problems are sometimes called mental disorders, which can affect mood, thought patterns, and behavior. Examples of mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and mood disorders. Mental disorders can affect people of any age, background, or intelligence. They may be occasional or long-lasting. Generally, a mental health illness becomes serious when it makes a person miserable and causes problems in their daily life.
Here are some statistics on mental disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders.1
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, these are some statistics about mental health and mental illnesses2
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), there are many different types of mental disorders. The mental illness list is very long, but today, we will cover the following types of mental health disorders.
Anxiety disorders are one of the many types of mental illness. They are part of a group of conditions that include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety is an overwhelming experience that is characterized by physical symptoms such as a racing heart and dizziness that results from the anticipation of something fear-inducing happening.
A mood disorder is a mental health class that broadly describes all types of depression and bipolar disorders. Some of the most common symptoms that people may experience include the following:
Eating disorders are a type of mental illness that causes someone to have an unhealthy relationship with food. Someone with an eating disorder may overeat or eat too little, leading to extreme weight loss and other health problems. Eating disorders can also cause heart problems and other serious medical conditions.
Personality disorders are mental health conditions that typically involve long-term patterns of behavior that can cause distress and problems functioning in different areas of life. Some personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, involve a pattern of unstable relationships, distorted self-image, and reckless impulsivity. Other personality disorders, such as schizotypal personality disorder, involve a pattern of constricted social interactions, odd beliefs or perceptual experiences, and extreme discomfort with being close with others.
PTSD is a mental health issue that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event such as military combat, terrorist acts, natural disasters, serious accidents, or physical and sexual assaults. Signs of PTSD include the following:
Psychotic disorders are mental illnesses that cause abnormal thoughts and perceptions. These can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, like constantly talking, and disorganized behavior, like appearing to be disconnected the world. The most common types of psychoses include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mood disorders with psychotic features, and delusional disorders.
Although the exact causes of mental health disorders are not known, research has shown that a combination of several factors contributes to the development of these disorders.
The abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways can be one cause of mental health disorders. Moreover, injury to or defects in specific brain areas is also linked to mental conditions. Apart from brain chemistry, genetics is another biological factor contributing to the onset of mental health disorders.
So, the answer to the question, “Is mental illness genetic?” is that it can be. Individuals who have a family member with a history of mental disorders are more likely to develop a disorder themselves.
A person who has experienced severe psychological trauma as a child is more likely to develop a mental health disorder. Other psychological factors include neglect, poor ability to relate to others, and the loss of a parent.
A person who is susceptible to developing a mental health disorder is more likely to develop a disorder if they are exposed to certain environmental stressors. Some of these stressors include dysfunctional family life, feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, loneliness, social or cultural expectations, death or divorce, and substance abuse.
There are many risks associated with poor mental health. One major risk is the risk of impoverishment, as many people with mental health disorders have difficulties in securing or maintaining work and income. People dealing with psychological disorders often deal with unemployment, debt, and poverty.
A person with a mental health disorder is at a higher risk of suffering from disability and premature mortality from other illnesses, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic conditions.3
Moreover, those who suffer from mental health disorders, such as anxiety or depression, are more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol than those who do not suffer from such disorders. Individuals who have mental illness may also be more likely to commit suicide than others.
Here are some other statistics according to research:
Mental health is an important topic that needs to be discussed more. It is a major concern in today’s society. Many people do not know how to aid someone who might have a mental health problem, and people who do have a mental health problem often feel isolated and unsupported.
There are many different ways to help someone who is presenting with signs of mental illness. You can offer your friend or family member a listening ear, assist them with practical tasks like cooking and cleaning, or even be there for them when they are feeling down. You can also help them find a qualified mental health professional and make an appointment. If your loved one or friend has attempted to harm themselves or is considering doing so, take them to the hospital or call for emergency help.
The signs of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Some examples of common signs of mental illness that affect emotions, thoughts, and behaviors include these:
In some cases, mental health disorders can appear as physical symptoms, causing the person to suffer from stomach pain, back pain, or headaches.
Talking to your loved ones and friends about their mental health can be a great way to provide them with the support and guidance they desperately need. In fact, talking about mental health can lead to earlier detection of a mental health disorder, earlier treatment, greater understanding, and compassion.
Discussing mental health may feel uncomfortable and awkward for many people. There is a serious mental illness stigma that causes a lot of people to steer clear of conversations about mental illnesses, but it’s important to fight the mental illness stigma.
It is possible that your loved one or friend who is dealing with a mental health issue wants to talk about their problems but does not know how to initiate a conversation. Consider starting a conversation to address your concerns and ask them a few questions about how they feel. Choose one or two questions from the list below to see how they respond.
Here are some tips to bear in mind when talking about mental health problems with a loved one or friend.
Ask open-ended questions to learn how your loved one or friend feels.
Show your support by putting your personal opinions aside and simply listening to what they have to say.
Although you might feel tempted to share your personal story and how you dealt with a similar situation, avoid making comparisons. The person might feel like their pain is not valid.
Even if they say they do not need your help, suggest a few things you can help them with without being too pushy. For instance, you could offer to cook them a meal, help them with grocery shopping, or pick up their dry cleaning.
If you believe your loved one or friend needs professional help, encourage them to speak with a mental health professional. Consider offering them mental illness help from a qualified provider.
Slow down or retreat if the person becomes confused or upset.
It can be difficult to pick the right words to say to a loved one or friend suffering from a mental health condition. Avoid using the following statements:
Trigger words and phrases are those that cause an adverse emotional reaction. The person might feel like they are being attacked, blamed, controlled, hurt, or judged, leading to them feeling overwhelmed, scared, unloved, and weak.
Some words you should avoid using when discussing mental health problems with your loved one or friend include the following statements:
People dealing with psychological disorders often experience a crisis, such as feeling suicidal. In such scenarios, it is crucial you stay calm and respond properly. Here are some strategies you can use to help your loved one or friend:
If a loved one or friend tells you they have suicidal thoughts, the most important thing to do is remain calm. Just because someone has these thoughts does not mean they are in immediate danger. Listen to what they have to say and ask some follow-up questions such as, “What do you need to do to feel safe?”
Offer reassurance that help is available and having these thoughts means it is time to seek help from a mental health professional. If the person is in immediate danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, these are good tips to implement:
Mental health professionals specialize in the treatment and management of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They might be psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, family counselors, or marriage and family therapists.
You can gain access to mental health professionals either at a hospital or at a mental and behavioral health treatment center. They provide mental health services for a range of disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety disorders, addiction, and more.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is an organization that provides free, confidential, 24/7 assistance to people in suicidal crisis. The Lifeline also offers support for family members and friends impacted by someone else’s suicidal thoughts. Call 1-800-273-8255 for help anytime or chat with a counselor at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
Here are some additional resources:
Inpatient care provides intensive treatment for patients suffering from mental illness. In a hospital setting, a patient can get the best possible care without the stress from work, family, and other responsibilities that might interfere with their recovery.
Inpatient care for psychological disorders can provide the stabilization needed in early recovery from the severe mental chaos caused by anxiety. Patients can attend inpatient care at mental and behavioral health treatment centers where they will receive an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique situation.
Outpatient care may be a good option for people with mild or moderate symptoms who do not need constant monitoring or supervision. Intensive outpatient programs can offer the necessary long-term support for sustainable recovery from any mental illness.
Mental illness treatment at mental and behavioral health treatment centers typically consists of the following types of therapies:
Holistic health is a type of therapy that focuses on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It pays attention to the interconnectedness of the human body and mind and how this affects a person’s overall health. A holistic approach to health and wellness will often include a combination of natural therapies, such as acupuncture or massage therapy, alongside more conventional medicine.
A Mission for Michael is a mental and behavioral health treatment center based in Southern California. We employ a range of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, and nurses, with a two-to-one client-to-staff ratio.
Some of the treatment options we offer include primary inpatient care, evening outpatient program, and transitional living. There is support for all types of mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, severe anxiety disorders, and addiction, with a focus on evidence-based care. Patients at our center receive individual care 24/7 while being overseen by a team of clinicians who either have doctorates or master’s degrees.
We offer a range of different treatments for mental health disorders, such as the following:
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