Mental health is a subject often dodged and misunderstood by the general public. While awareness campaigns about mental health run on different online platforms, some still think that it’s all but a sham and an excuse to avoid responsibilities.
As a result, until today, millions of people around the globe still suffer from various forms of mental health issues. Instead of seeking professional help in order to get better, they fear being judged and mocked by people around them.
A worldwide problem
The latest statistics say that over 300 million individuals around the globe are diagnosed with mental health conditions and that 35 to 55 percent of these people don’t even receive treatment.
It’s quite an upsetting situation that affects a large fraction of the globe.
If you suspect that you suffer from any form of mental issue, now is the time to step up and reach out for professional help.
There are millions of mental health practitioners who can readily provide the required service so you can start your journey to healing and recovery.
As with any type of illness, the first step to curing yourself is to accept that you are indeed unwell. Here are a few examples of mental issues dealt by millions of individuals from around the world:
- Dementia
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Dissociative disorder
- Personality disorder
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Stress
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Each type of illness has a set of distinctive signs and symptoms. To know what type of illness you’re suffering from, it’s best to consult with a licensed psychiatrist. They conduct a thorough assessment in order to determine the root cause of your current mental health problem.
Knowing the usual mental illness signs and symptoms will help you determine when you should start reaching out for professional assistance.
General signs of mental health problem to look out for
While it’s unlikely for you to determine what type of illness you suffer from, you can surely tell if you don’t feel like yourself. Below are the general signs and symptoms of individuals with mental health concerns:
- Confusion or reduced concentration
- Loss of motivation to work or perform usual routine
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Noticeable appetite changes
- Inability to cope or manage stress
- Has suicidal thoughts
- No interest to engage with people
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Hostility or excessive anger
- Abrupt mood changes
- Extreme worrying or feeling of incompetence or guilt
- Major energy loss due to lack of sleep and rest
If any of the signs enumerated above ring a bell to you, consider connecting with a licensed professional so they can begin devising the care plan that you need.
You should also start seeking professional help if you’re included in the list of high-risk individuals.
Types of individuals at risk of developing mental problems
No one wants to suffer from emotional instability. However, sometimes, it can’t be helped, most especially if you’re predisposed to develop mental health problems. There are a number of individuals who might suffer from mental issues because of certain factors.
Handicapped individuals
A study suggests that physically-disabled individuals are more prone to anxiety attacks and depression compared to those who aren’t handicapped. This may be due to the isolation and loneliness caused by limited or zero mobility and physical burden and stress they deal with each day.
Thankfully, through the use of wheelchairs or mobility scooters, handicapped individuals can feel more inspired and motivated to live life to the fullest. They can explore the world, discover new things, and make meaningful social connections.
Individuals with a family history of mental illness
A lot of diseases are passed on through the genes. Specialists believe that a long list of mental disorders is actually linked to gene abnormalities rather than caused by external factors. This suggests that if you have family members or distant relatives diagnosed with a mental disorder, you might develop the same issue sometime in life.
Patients with untreated infection
Plenty of infections are thought to cause severe brain damage and trigger or worsen mental illness. One perfect example is an infection caused by Streptococcus bacteria. Researches claim that when left untreated, this infection can trigger the development of OCD plus a number of mental health disorders among children.
Patients who suffered from a major brain injury
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences investigated the relationship between psychiatric disorders and traumatic injury to the brain. According to the findings, severe brain injuries may increase the likelihood of developing anxiety and mood disorders.
Alcoholics and Drug addicts
Drug and alcoholic drug addicts mostly suffer from severe paranoia, panic attacks and mood disorders. Long-term substance abuse may also cause irreversible damage to the brain and the rest of the nervous system.
Pregnant women
It’s quite common to find pregnant women suffering from a variety of mental health problem. This is especially true for women who have previously suffered from disorders. The hormonal changes in the body of a woman and the physical and psychological stresses she needs to undergo each month are enough to stimulate a major nervous breakdown.
Getting help if you have suicidal thoughts
Suicidal behaviour is commonly observed among individuals sick with a mental disorder. If you feel like hurting yourself or attempting to commit suicide, don’t hesitate to reach out and get help. You can:
- Dial local emergency hotlines
- Call suicide support groups
- Attend suicidal group support meetings
- Contact your go-to psychiatrist
- Get in touch with your family members or trusted friends
- Call a spiritual leader or any person in your religious group
- Pray and ask for guidance
Help is out there. All you need to do is ask and reach out. We know it’s a difficult time for you to open up and attempt to heal your wounds but it’s the best option you have. There’s plenty of people standing by to lend you a hand.
If you’re a high-risk individual or if you begin noticing sudden changes on your usual routine and behaviour, asking for help is definitely the path you must to take. Again, the road to healing must start within you. There are millions of reasons for you not to give up in life. It’s never too late to start your journey.
Author bio:
Jill is a writer that is currently travelling all-around Southeast Asia. She usually freelances for various companies in the UK. She usually freelances for various companies in the UK. She likes to write about the benefits that mobility equipment give to elderly and PWDs.
