Because of the connection between physical and mental health, it is important to take care of your mind as well as your body. Mental illnesses must be treated in order for those afflicted to lead a healthy, happy life. Mental illness is just like any other type of illness. It affects quality of life and requires treatment for improved health. A mental illness is defined as an alteration in mood or behavior that causes distress and impairs functioning in daily life. In the past, mental illness has been associated with a stigma. In medieval times, people assumed the devil had influenced the affected person; recently some have promoted the belief that only the “weak minded” succumb to mental illness. We know that none of these things are true. Mental illness may be caused by a variety of factors, from traumatic events, to genetic predispositions.
Mental Health and Chronic Disease
Chronic disease and mental health are closely related. When a patient is diagnosed with a chronic disease, often the toll that disease takes is both physical and mental in nature.
For example, we know that:
- Diabetes increases the chances of depression by half
- Depression increases the chances of diabetes
- There is a link between being overweight and having depression, though the nature of that link is not clear
How Do I Know If I Have a Mental Illness?
Only a trained mental health professional can tell you for sure if you have a mental illness. Also, stress, anxiety, and feelings of sadness are a part of everyday life for most people. However, if these moods/feelings are persistent and impact your quality of life, you should make an appointment to be evaluated.
Who is at Risk for Mental Illness?
Just like chronic disease, anyone can have a mental illness. In fact, about 1 in 4 Americans have some form of mental illness. Certain groups of people are more likely to develop a mental illness than others. Risk factors include:
- Genetics
- Behavior (risky lifestyle, smoking, etc.)
- Physical health
- Inactivity
- Traumatic events
- Increase of stress
What Are Some Common Types of Mental Illness?
Anxiety Disorder
This disorder is characterized by panic or fear about certain events or subjects. This fear is more than normal pangs of nervousness; it can often be disabling. When someone with anxiety disorder experiences fear, there is an accompanying physiological response (e.g., sweating, rapid heart beat).
Mood Disorder
These disorders are characterized by persistent mood “extremes”, such as sadness, hopelessness, or inappropriate levels of joy/energy. These mood extremes often change quickly. Depression and Bipolar Disorder are among the most common types of mood disorders.
Impulse Control Disorder
This disorder is characterized by an inability to resist urges regarding substances or behaviors. Most often, the disorder is associated with eating or drug/alcohol use.
The behaviors are usually harmful to the inflicted individual, or to others.
In all cases, a condition is not considered a disorder unless it negatively impacts the individual’s (or other person’s) life.
What Can I Do?
There are several things you can do to stay “mentally fit”. First, make sure that you get plenty of rest. The American Sleep Association recommends at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night for adults, and 9 hours for teenagers. The mind recharges while you sleep! Second, medical experts recommend one-half to a full hour of physical activity per day. Physical activity releases “feel-good” endorphins that will brighten your mood. Third, develop a healthy outlet for stress, such as athletics, meditation, or other leisure hobbies. Finally, try to avoid alcohol and illegal substances.
If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, make sure to follow your doctor’s advice about appropriate treatment. Try to make all your scheduled appointments and do not be afraid to involve friends and family in treatment decisions.
What Is the Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?
Many individuals with symptoms of mental illness may decide to seek treatment. It is important that you know what type of medical specialist (in addition to your primary care provider) is appropriate to help you. Psychologists are specialists who are trained in therapeutic techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. They cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists are medically trained professionals who can prescribe medicine.
- Anxiety Disorders
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders)
- Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder)
Visit these websites for more information:
www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth