Mental health issues are prevalent worldwide, many people can say they know someone who has experienced a mental health problem. The term mental illness refers to the state of mind and behavior and not an actual disease and it is actually what we call psychiatric disorders or brain diseases. Mental health issues can take many forms, including:
Depression
Sadness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Also includes feelings of guilt and despair, lack of energy, feeling tired all the time, changes in sleeping patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping), changes in appetite, weight loss or weight gain, poor concentration/forgetfulness.
Borderline Personality Disorder
A mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, relationships and self-image. People with a borderline personality disorder often have difficulty regulating their emotions and may experience intense anger, mood swings, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Schizophrenia:
A mental health disorder that affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves. Schizophrenia can cause hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there), delusions (believing things that are not true) and muddled thoughts. People with schizophrenia may have difficulty concentrating and sometimes find it hard to look after themselves.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Mental health disorders are usually associated with people who have experienced an extremely distressing event. PTSD symptoms usually develop within six months of a traumatic event, but they can sometimes start years later. Symptoms can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hyperarousal (feeling constantly on edge), dissociation (feeling disconnected from your body or surroundings), avoidance of anything that reminds you of the traumatic event, and depressive symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek help. There are many people who suffer from these health issues and there is no shame in seeking help. Treatment for mental health issues can include counseling, medication and/or therapy. Friends and family can be a great support system, but it is important to remember that you are the one who is dealing with the illness, so you need to take care of yourself first and foremost. There are also many online support groups available if you don’t feel comfortable talking to people in person.
