A mental illness is a broad term as it contains various conditions that impact how you feel and think. It can also affect your ability to get through daily life. Several different factors can influence mental illnesses, including
- Genetics
- Environment
- Daily habits
- Biology
Before getting into the more complex side, you must know what a mental disorder is and how you should treat it.
Mental Health Disorders
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) allows mental health professionals to diagnose mental illnesses. Many mental health disorders and almost 300 different conditions are recorded in DSM-5.
Following are some of the most common mental illnesses affecting people in the world:
1- Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental illness affecting about 2.6% of people each year. It is described by energetic, manic highs and extreme, sometimes depressive lows in one’s behavior.
These can influence a person’s energy level and ability to reason. Mood swings provoked by bipolar disorder are much more severe than the small ups and downs most people experience.
2- Persistent Depressive Disorder
Persistent depressive disorder is a kind of chronic depression known as dysthymia. It is not intense, but it can interfere with daily life. People with this condition undergo symptoms for at least two years. According to stats, about 1.5 percent of adults experience dysthymia each year.
3- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is far worse than everyday anxiety, like being anxious before a presentation. It forces a person to become extremely worried about many things, even when there is little or no reason to worry.
Those with GAD may feel very nervous about getting through the day, and they may constantly fear that things will not ever work in their favor. Worrying can keep such people from executing everyday tasks and chores.
4- Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) provokes feelings of intense sadness or despair that last for at least two weeks. This condition is also named clinical depression.
People with MDD may become extreme and try to commit suicide. About 7% of people with MDD have at least one major depressive episode each year.
5- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) generates constant and repetitive thoughts or obsessions. These thoughts happen with unnecessary and unreasonable desires.
Many people with OCD realize that their thoughts and actions are unreasonable, yet they cannot stop them. More than 2% of people are diagnosed with OCD at some point in their lifetime.
6- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness initiated after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Incidents that can cause PTSD can vary from severe events, like war and national disasters, and verbal or physical abuse.
Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks or being easily startled.
7- Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia damages a person’s perception of reality and the world around them. It meddles with their connection to other people. It is a severe condition that requires treatment.
People with this condition might experience hallucinations, have delusions, and hear voices. Moreover, they can potentially put them in a dangerous situation if left untreated.
8- Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, induces an extreme fear of social situations. People with social anxiety may become very nervous about being around other people and feel like they are being judged.
It can make it hard to meet new people and attend social gatherings. Roughly 15 million adults undergo social anxiety each year.
Mental Health Disorder Symptoms
Each type of mental illness has symptoms, and many share some common characteristics.
Common signs of several mental illnesses may include:
- Not eating enough or overeating
- Having insomnia or sleeping too much
- Distancing yourself from other people and favorite activities
- Feeling tired even with enough sleep
- Feeling numbness or lacking empathy
- Experiencing unexplainable body pains or achiness
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, or lost
- Smoking, drinking or using illicit drugs more than ever before
- Feeling confusion, forgetfulness, irritability, anger, anxiety, sadness, or fright
- Constantly fighting or arguing with friends and family
- Having extreme mood swings that cause relationship problems
- Having constant flashbacks or thoughts that you can’t get out of your head
- Hearing voices in your head that you can’t stop
- Having thoughts of hurting yourself or other people
- Being unable to carry out day-to-day activities and chores
Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is a paramount concern for healthcare professionals. Many know the signs and symptoms of physical illnesses, like a heart attack or stroke. However, they may not identify the physical effects of anxiety, PTSD, or panic.
Awareness campaigns are developed to help people comprehend these common signs and symptoms. This way, they know that they are not alone, and they can seek professional help without feeling awkward. It is always good to consult experts for any mental health or overall health-related problems. You can book an appointment with the best Psychiatrist in Lahore through Marham for more information.