Mental health disorders or mental illness refers to a diverse range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect your thinking, mood, and behaviour. Examples of such illness include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviours.
From time to time, many people experience mental health concerns. However, a mental health concern becomes an illness when the ongoing signs and symptoms lead to frequent stress and affect your ability to live a healthy and normal life. A mental illness can make you feel sad and miserable, causing problems in your daily life, such as at work or school or in personal relationships. In most cases, a combination of psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications can help manage the symptoms of mental illnesses.
Mental illnesses are quite common these days. These can occur at any age, ranging from childhood to adulthood. However, most cases are seen earlier in life. The effects of these illnesses can be temporary or long lasting. You can also have more than one mental health condition at the same time. For example, you may have substance abuse or depression at the same time.
Depending on the type, duration, circumstances and other conditions, the signs and symptoms of mental conditions vary. These disorders can affect thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Examples of signs and symptoms include:
The symptoms of a mental disorder can sometimes appear as physical problems, such as back pain, stomach pain, headaches, and other unexplained pains and aches.
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a mental illness, you must see a mental health professional or at least your primary care provider. Most mental health illnesses don’t resolve spontaneously. If not treated at the right time, a mental illness may worsen over time and give rise to serious problems.
Suicidal thinking and behaviour are common with some mental disorders. If you think that you are at a risk of hurting yourself or attempting suicide, seek help right away by talking to a friend, loved one or a mental health specialist. Don’t think that suicidal thinking gets better on its own, so don’t wait for it to go away by itself.
If someone you love shows signs suggesting a mental illness, you should have an honest and open discussion with them and share your concerns. Even if you can’t force someone to get professional care, you can offer your support and encouragement. You can also help your loved one seek an appointment with a qualified mental health professional.
If your loved shows signs of self-harming behaviour or is considering doing so, you must call for emergency help or take the person to a hospital.
Generally, mental illnesses are believed to be caused by a range of environmental and genetic factors. Following are some of these factors:
Certain factors may enhance your risk of developing a mental disorder, including:
Mental illnesses are one of the main causes of disability in the world. If left untreated, mental illness can lead to behavioural, emotional, and physical health problems. Here are some common complications associated with mental illness disorders:
There is no definite way to prevent mental illnesses. However, if you are suffering from a mental illness, taking steps to increase your resilience, control stress, and to boost your self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control. Following are some steps you may take:
The Department of Psychiatry at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Indore, offers diagnostic and curative services for a wide range of psychiatric disorders. The treatment plans are established after a thorough clinical examination and history taking. The overall condition of the client and as well the personal preferences of his family are taken into account before considering the treatment options. Consult highly experienced psychiatrists in Indore at our hospital for treatment of mental health disorders.
The Department offers diagnostic and curative services for a wide range of psychiatric diseases and disorders, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, different types of phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar mood disorder, substance abuse, schizophrenia, eating disorders like bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sexual dysfunction, specific learning disorders, and neuro-cognitive disorders.