According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 out of every 4 individual will be impacted by mental health issues at some point in their lives. Depression alone affects 350 million people globally. In a 2019 study released by the WHO reveals that about a billion world population, including 14 percent adolescents, were living with some kind of a mental disorder. This shows how grave the situation is and why it is important to recognizing mental disorders and how to solve them.
Some of the common mental disorders according to the WHO are:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Eating Disorders
- Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
In this article we will be discussing some common mental disorders so that you can understand whether you have it or not and if you have it, learn how to address these issues.
Some Common Mental Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety is very common mental disorder characterized by excessive fear, worry, restlessness, and nervousness. It can have physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, muscular cramps, difficulty concentrating, and sweating.
Types: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Social Anxiety, etc.
Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, etc.
Treatment: Therapy and medication
Depression
Depression is another common mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and low energy. Depression not only affects mood but also behavior and physical health.
Types: Melancholia, Psychotic depression, Antenatal and postnatal depression, etc.
Symptoms: Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness ,loss of interest, changes in appetite, etc.
Treatment: Therapy and medication
Bipolar Disorder
About 2.6 percent Americans above the age of 18 years are affected by bipolar disorder, and the rate of bipolar disorder in global population stands around 2.4 percent. It is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, which could range from manic highs-elevated energy, impulsiveness, and euphoria to depressive lows.
Types: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic disorder, etc.
Symptoms: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness, high level of energy, mood swings, episodes of mania and depression, etc.
Treatment: Mood stabilizers, therapy, and lifestyle management
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsession (intrusive, unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or rituals. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with the subjects’ daily life and cause significant distress. Common compulsions include.
Types: Contamination and washing, Doubt and double-checking, Ordering and arranging, and Taboo or intrusive thoughts
Symptoms: Obsessions, compulsions, distressing thoughts, repetitive behaviours, excessive cleaning or checking, etc.
Treatment: Therapy and medication.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder which is usually triggered after experiencing something terrible or witnessing traumatic event. Subject may feel emotionally numb.
Types: Normal stress response, Acute Stress Disorder, Uncomplicated PTSD, Complex PTSD, Comorbid PTSD, etc.
Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts related to the trauma, etc.
Treatment: Therapy, medication, and coping strategies.
How to Recognize Mental Disorders in You
Some study suggests that one in five people do not know they have some sort of mental disorder. In a study carried in 27 countries, 50 percent respondent said that they were discriminated for having schizophrenia. Mental health is a taboo. Therefore, it is very important to understand your mental disorders, and get professional help.
Some of the ways to recognize mental disorders are:
- Behavioral Signs: Frequent mood changes, high or low energy levels, difficulty in concentration, feeling anxious, etc.
- Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, sleep disturbances, high or low blood pressure, headaches, breathing difficulty, loss of appetite etc.
- Emotional Symptoms: Negative thought, irrational fears, social fear, feelings of loneliness and dejections, etc.
- Social and Professional Life: Loss of interest in daily activities, strained relationships, impediment in work routine and reduced work performance, etc.
You can learn about your mental health disorders by analyzing your behavioral pattern, physical symptoms, emotion symptoms, and the changes in your personal, social, and professional life. Self assessment can help you learn about mental health disorders. When you know you have some issues, it will be easier for you to look for professional diagnosis, and seek treatment.
Addressing Mental Health Disorders: Available Treatment Methods and Coping Mechanism
Self assessment is just the first step of understanding mental health disorders in you. When you know you have it, you need professional treatment. Generally speaking, there are two steps of addressing mental health issues: treatment, which involves therapy and medication, and coping strategies, which including lifestyle changes, alternative healing methods, etc.
Some common therapy options are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychotherapy, etc. and medications include antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, mood stabilizers, etc.
Lifestyle change is one of the important aspects of coping strategies when you have mental disorders. Balanced diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene helps you to cope with mental disorders, Meditation, yoga, massage, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques can significantly ease your conditions. Social support and communication is also very important when you are battling with mental disorders, therefore, the role of family and friends, and support groups is very important in recovery. You can develop healthy coping mechanisms by journaling, getting involved with your hobbies, and self-care routines.
