As a matter of fact, your mental health is as important as your physical health. In fact, certain mental health conditions could be more serious than common physical ailments. The reason is simple, mental health conditions are not present on the outside. That is why, they say “when you suffer, you suffer in shadows.”
The worst part of the story is that a lot of people still question whether mental illnesses really exist. Well, they do. Various mental health conditions, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. This article today will highlight five mental health disorders that are becoming common by the day.
Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental health conditions these days. It is a severe mood disorder that can eventually take your life if neglected. According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people around the world suffer from depression. No wonder the figures are alarming.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
- Persistent feelings of sadness and emptiness
- Recurring digestive issues
- Loss of interest in everyday life activities
- Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt
- Restlessness and crankiness
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Unstable appetite and body weight
- Suicidal thoughts or possible attempts
Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
- Lifestyle changes, including exercise
- Antidepressants
- Psychotherapy
- Alternative therapies such as meditation and acupuncture
- Traditional medicine like chamomile team, Mont Blanc cannabis strain, and more
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar is a disorder that makes a bridge between mood and psychotic disorders. People who have bipolar usually live a black and white life, either they’re too happy or too low. There’s no in-between for someone going through bipolar. In simple words, people with bipolar lack the emotional balance in their lives, which affects their day-to-day life and functioning in general.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Distractibility or racing thoughts
- Exaggerated self-confidence and self of well-being (euphoria)
- Increased energy and activities
- Severe mood swings with highs and lows
- Either sleeping too much or insomnia
- Decreased ability to think clearly or concentrate
- Substance abuse or hallucinations
Treatment of Bipolar Disorder
- Antidepressants
- Mood stabilizers
- Antipsychotics according to the symptoms
- Benzodiazepines in case of chronic insomnia
- Psycho-education
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
- Electroconvulsive treatment depending on the severity of the symptoms
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Another common disorder that is increasing by day is generalized anxiety disorder. It is characterized by persistent and excessive worry that stays most of the day, every day. The prevalence of the disorder is higher than you think. As mentioned by the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 2.7% of adults in the US suffer from generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Persistent feeling of worry
- Muscle tension and mild to moderate body aches
- Irritability and low mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling wound-up, restless, or on the edge
- Fatigue
Treatment of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Anti-anxiety medicines
- Benzodiazepines in case of insomnia
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Psychotherapy
- Lifestyle changes like exercise, yoga, and visualization techniques
- Traditional medicines such as lavender, chamomile team, and more
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, generally known as OCD, is a mental health condition that brings along excessive thoughts about the same thing (obsessions) or an urge to do the same thing again and again (compulsions). Some people have obsessions while others have compulsions. On the other hand, in severe cases, obsessions and compulsions can co-exist as well.
Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Unwanted thoughts, including religious subjects and aggression
- Horrific or aggressive thoughts about harming others or yourself
- Wanting things to be in an order
- Having difficulty tolerating uncertainty
- Fear of dirt or contamination
- Washing hands repeatedly
- Biting nails as a way to relieve stress
Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Exposure and response prevention
- Muscle relaxants for restlessness
- Antidepressants
- Lifestyle changes like a morning walking in nature
- Sleep-inducing medicines in case of obsessive thoughts interfering with sleep
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also referred to as social phobia, is a disorder that causes intense anxiety in social situations. In precise words, it involves the fear of social gatherings and meeting new people. People with social anxiety disorder hideaway as they fear being judged or scrutinized by people. Many findings state that social anxiety disorder is more common in females than in males.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Trouble catching your breath in social situations
- Sweating and trembling
- Fast heartbeat and blushing
- Sudden rise in body temperature
- Feeling blank
- Intense fear of being judged
- Defensive attitude and inability to talk
Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Fear management with exposure and response prevention
- Role-play in therapy
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines for trauma management
Apart from the mental health disorder, a lot of people suffer from substance-induced issues. For example, alcoholics often go through depression and sleep-related disorders. How? Alcohol is a deep-down depressant that negatively contributes to your mental health.
Besides that, people have lots and lots of phobias. They’re mostly a result of childhood traumas and dysfunctional environments in the families. Such psychological issues may seem insignificant, but they hinder your everyday routine and a lot of opportunities in life.
The Takeaway
Lastly, I want you to know that having a psychological problem or getting diagnosed with a mental health disorder doesn’t make you crazy. There is no mental health disorder that cannot be treated. All you need to do is ask for support, take proper medications, follow the lifestyle changes, and you’ll be recovered in less than no time. Just be sure to keep in mind that some of these prescriptions have addictive properties. If you find you are becoming dependent, search for a benzodiazepine treatment center that can help you safely detox.
Just like your body, your brain also gets tired. A tired brain is mostly the culprit behind mental health conditions. Henceforth, it is imperative to take care of your mental health. A lot of people make the mistake of not taking it seriously, and it is precisely the reason why certain mental health disorders are becoming more and more common.
Feature photo by Polina Zimmerman
