Mental illness is a disease that causes disturbances in behaviors and thoughts and it results in the inability to cope with daily routines. There are over 200 forms of mental illness, and some of the most common illnesses include depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Symptoms that may be shown in a person suffering from this disorder include changes in personal habits, mood, personality, and social withdrawal.
How to Cope With Mental Illness
You or someone you know may deny warning signs of mental illness because of the stigma or they do not want to believe that they have the illness. Feeling like this is very common but you should identify these warning signs and get the help that you need immediately. The first thing that you should do is accept the way that you are feeling. Find out all about the illness you are suffering from by talking with mental health professionals and reading about the illness.
If someone else is suffering from an illness, it is important to keep an open mind, ask questions and support them. You should seek support from family members and friends to cope with your mental illness. If you do not feel like discussing your symptoms with them, you can find a support group. These groups allow you to talk to other people who are experiencing the same situation. They can offer you advice and listen to you without being judgemental. Counseling can really help you to cope with your mental illness because a mental health professional can suggest ways to cope.
They also have a good understanding of what you are going through and they will not judge you. However, rehab centers offer great help and guidance on how to cope with your mental illness. They offer inpatient and outpatient care and can also help you if you are struggling with substance abuse. One program this rehab has is an Intensive Outpatient Program which provides education about addiction, counseling, and employment training.
Unusual behavior may include being withdrawn or extremely quiet. You can also experience outbursts of anger or suddenly burst into tears. After treatment, you may still suffer from anti-social behaviors and this can be hard to deal with. You should see your mental health professional and discuss these behaviors so that you can develop strategies for coping.
If you suffer from a mental health disorder you should not feel ashamed or alone. Many people suffer from mental illnesses and there are many support groups and ways to cope. You should recognize your warning signs immediately and notify your friends and family about what is going on with you.
Warning Signs
Warning Signs of mental illness are the same in adolescents, young adults, and adults. If you or someone you know shows signs of social withdrawal, feelings of extreme highs and lows, excess fears, anxieties, worries, delusions, strong feelings of anger, social withdrawal, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, substance use and the inability to cope with daily problems and activities, they may be suffering from a mental illness.
Younger Children: Warning signs in younger children include changing in eating, sleeping habits, poor grades, excessive worry, anxiety, refusing to go to school, nightmares, hyperactivity, disobedience, tantrums, and aggression.
Adults: In adolescents, warning signs may include difficulty getting through the day, substance use, complaints of physical ailments, theft, vandalism, outbursts of anger, prolonged negative moods, intense fear, and changes in the ability to manage responsibilities.
Types of Mental Illness
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that makes it difficult to sleep, carry out daily tasks, and makes it hard to concentrate. Worries build up and it is hard to stop worrying about things even if they are not important. Anxiety can disrupt work, relationships, self-esteem, and enjoyment of life. Women are more likely to develop anxiety than men. People with anxiety tend to avoid situations that can become stressful and in extreme cases, they do not go out at all just to avoid this. Symptoms including trembling hands, pounding heart, and shortness of breath. It can be caused by genetics, stress, traumatic events, or physical health issues.
People with anxiety find it hard to focus on anything besides their worries. It may be silly thoughts but it can be impossible to stop them. You may feel that people are judging you or that you are going to die. Another form of mental illness is a personality disorder which is when you have an unhealthy pattern of thinking, behaving, and functioning.
A person with this order may have trouble relating to situations and people. A person that suffers from this may seem withdrawn, emotional and may experience this since their childhood. Symptoms can be bad enough to affect different aspects of your life and people with a personality disorder may also experience substance abuse and depression.
