Mental disorders are classified as strong disturbances regarding a person’s cognitive skills. Mental disorders can also impact your quality of life by damaging your emotional and physical state. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, don’t feel like you are alone. Recent data shows that over 40 million people in the United States are seeking treatment for mental illness. Perhaps you need further clarification on what mental illness entails. Here’s a look at some of the common types of mental illness that impacts the quality of life.
Anxiety Disorder
Millions of people around the world have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders involve extreme fear and worry that impacts your behavior. Panic attacks caused by social anxiety are common. In most cases, anxiety disorders are managed through therapy. Medication is recommended for more serious cases.
Eating Disorder
Eating disorders occur due to harmful feelings about body weight or a particular image. Perhaps you aren’t happy with the way you look and plan to stop eating regularly. Eating disorders have serious negative consequences. Studies show that people suffering from eating disorders are at risk of substance abuse and even committing suicide. There are multiple therapy and treatment options available.
Bipolar Disorder
You may experience several moods while struggling with bipolar disorder. Perhaps you are feeling sad or upset. As a result, you don’t feel like doing anything. Perhaps you have trouble concentrating, and you’re struggling with ADHD. Boys are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, with 13% of boys being affected and 6% of girls. Perhaps you’re dealing with insomnia, and you plan to perform self-harm. Medication, stress reduction therapy, and other treatment options are available if you’re dealing with bipolar disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD may occur if you have recently experienced a terrible event. Perhaps your life was changed forever. PTSD may cause you to relive the trauma on a consistent basis. You may have trouble thinking and sleeping. Perhaps looking at different people or places may trigger bad memories. Most people are able to overcome PTSD within a few months with the proper treatment.
General Suicidal Feelings
Perhaps you simply believe that your life has no value anymore. Perhaps you are dealing with a tough time: maybe you just lost your job and became disabled. Studies show that more than 10% of American adults suffer from a long-term disability every year. You may start thinking about taking your own life to make the pain go away. Be aware that your life is valued no matter what issues you are going through. Counseling is the primary method of treating suicidal thoughts, though it’s important to lean on your loved ones during difficult times as well.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is defined as impaired life perception and rapid behavior changes You may deal with constant hallucinations, delusions, and general erratic thoughts. People who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia often have smaller life spans compared to other people in their age group. There are different treatment and rehabilitation options available to help improve your cognitive ability.
Impulse Disorders
If you are struggling with impulse issues, you likely make bad decisions that are harmful to you and others. Perhaps you are struggling with a gambling addiction. You may make the decision to bet more money than you should and possibly end up going into debt. People struggling with an impulse disorder often damage their friendships and relationships with loved ones.
Paranoia
Paranoia involves living in a constant state of fear. Perhaps you believe that something is wrong when everything is actually ok. You may not be able to live life the way you want to because you’re scared that something is going to happen. Paranoia makes people feel stressed. Perhaps there is reason to worry, but in most cases, you’re just dealing with a mental block. Going to therapy can help you manage those harmful thoughts.
If you are dealing with mental health issues, take it one day at a time. Things will improve for you as you begin to seek the help you deserve.
