Mental health
is
vital for an integral well-being of personal, community and socioeconomic development.
But the stress of everyday life presents a challenge to achieve a
mind-body balance
.
And in that fight
mental disorders appear.
For example, according to data from the
Access Community Health Network
health center program , released in November 2022, "
one in five adults
in the United States will experience a lifetime mental illness."
It is enough to make an account to determine, then, that almost 10 million Americans (1 in 25) live with a
serious mental disorder
, a figure that puts psychiatry on alert.
Mental health.
Photo: Freepik
There are several explanations that address why mental health is compromised.
And among the factors that can cause mental problems are
biological ones
(such as genes or brain chemistry),
life experiences
(such as trauma or abuse), and
family history
, reflects the Department's Mental Health page. US Health and Human Services,
What are the signs of mental health disorders?
Beyond trying to look for certain signs, to avoid confusion,
a visit with a professional is always essential to choose the best path.
Now yes, there is a list of symptoms or indications to turn to a professional for a mental health condition:
Sleep problems are indications of mental health problems.
Photo Shutterstock.
sleep problems
Diet changes
Inability to cope with daily problems
Unusual or “magical” thoughts
Excessive and frequent anxiety
Sadness, depression, or apathy for a long period of time
Thoughts or statements about suicide or harm to others
Substance abuse Excessive anger, hostility, or violent behavior
Feeling of disconnection or withdrawal from normal activities
Sadness, depression and apathy.. Photo Shutterstock.
In this line, specialists detect three mental health disorders with the highest prevalence:
anxiety, major depression and bipolar.
Anxiety disorder
Anxiety disorder
can
create the sensation of a constant state of
worry, fear, and dread
.
The good thing is that generalized anxiety disorder can be treated ”, spreads the National Institute of Mental Health.
He also points out that it develops slowly, and usually begins around the age of 30, although it can also occur in childhood.
Also, that "this disorder is
more common in women than in men
."
The American Anxiety and Depression Association highlights that anxiety disorder affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the US population, but only 43.2% receive treatment.
Anxiety disorder usually begins around age 30.
Anxiety disorder often occurs
along with major depression.
major depression disorder
Access Community Health Network
provides a shocking fact:
major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability for people aged 15 to 44 years
.
"Some of the symptoms include depressed mood
, decreased interest or pleasure, change in weight, appetite
and sleep patterns
, fatigue
, and a
sense of worthlessness
," they warn.
And as always, beyond discovering certain symptoms yourself, you have to go to a professional and
the diagnosis must be made by a doctor.
Millions of cases of depression worldwide are attributable to age.
Photo: Getty Images
The National Institute of Mental Health explains that while everyone feels sad from time to time, these feelings usually go away in a short time.
In the case of depression or “major depressive disorder” the matter is different.
And it can cause
serious symptoms
that affect how you feel, think, and coordinate daily activities like
sleeping, eating, or working.
This condition can affect anyone regardless of
age, race, income, culture, or educational level
.
Specialists point out that it can occur together with other mental disorders and diseases such as
diabetes, cancer, heart disease and chronic pain
.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes
extreme mood swings
that include emotional highs, such as
mania or hypomania
;
and low, such as
depression
.
Bipolar disorder can be caused by multiple factors.
To go to the root of bipolar disorder, it must be defined as the result of the combination of a
genetic component
with certain adverse life situations
that act as triggers, they warn from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, in Spain.
Small, additive and interactive effects of many genes confer a greater personal vulnerability that makes it possible for certain situations such as
stress, periods of lack of sleep or the consumption of drugs or stimulating substances
to cause an imbalance.
The reference is to changes in neurochemical systems (
serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine
, among others) and perhaps hormonal systems that in turn generate the mental and physical symptoms of the disease, add the specialists from the Spanish center.
To diagnose it, specialists perform a
physical examination
together with a
psychiatric evaluation
supported by a questionnaire and observation
that leads to a study of the mood for a period of time.
Extreme swings in mood.
Coverage for mental health care
Prepaid medical coverage includes more treatments and mental health is currently spoken of with less prejudice.
According to what the US Mental Health page mentioned reflects, since 2014 most individual and small group health insurance plans
must cover mental health and substance use disorder services.
Such plans must have coverage of essential health benefits, including mental health services.
look also
How to identify a person with a mental disorder according to psychology
How to identify a bipolar person according to psychology
Who is the "trout" psychiatrist who practiced medicine for 20 years and became rich
