Mental Health is a basic human right and a crucial element in our overall well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed or unchecked. Acknowledging and understanding the different mental health issues is the first step towards dealing with them. Let us shine a spotlight on this!

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is a response to an internal threat like personal humiliation. It is a pathological state that can manifest as fear, excessive worry, panic attacks, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. The symptoms can affect daily activities such as school work, relationships, and job performance. Common forms of anxiety are generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

If you tend to worry excessively for no cause or reason, then you might have GAD. The reason for worrying may not be because of a specific problem or situation but rather underlying fears. Hence the term “Generalized”. It is diagnosed when your worrying happens most days and persists for at least 6 months. GAD may first appear in childhood or adolescence, and it is often not diagnosed until later in life. It is common in women and often runs in families. The symptoms of GAD may be similar to other mental health conditions, thus the need to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the symptoms:

• Feeling restless and on edge
• Unable to relax and poor concentration
• Difficulty in falling or staying asleep
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness, headaches, and hot flashes
• Uncontrolled fear or worry.

Panic Disorder

This is an anxiety disorder where you experience a sudden surge of panic attacks or fear. A panic attack can last between 5 and 20 minutes. It is often characterized by a sudden attack of fear or a sense of losing control even though there is no clear danger or trigger. During these episodes, you may experience these physical symptoms:

• Feelings of impending doom
• Chest pains and difficulty in breathing
• Weakness or dizziness
• Sweating
• Trembling or tingling

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations and of being watched or judged by others. It usually starts during late childhood and may manifest as extreme shyness and avoidance of social situations. If left untreated, it can interfere with school, work, and enjoying life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals overcome social anxiety. This may involve practicing social skills and learning to recognize and change negative thoughts about social situations.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that cause severe emotional disruptions like depression. Adults, teenagers, and children can have mood disorders. However, it is difficult to diagnose it in children because they may be unable to express their feelings. Several factors may cause mood disorders, such as stressful life events and an imbalance in brain chemicals. A complete medical history and psychiatric evaluation by a psychiatrist help diagnose it. These are the most common mood disorders:

Major Depressive Disorder

It is also known as clinical depression. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure and interest for long periods. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks. Depression can affect people of all ethnicities, ages, races, and genders. Here are the symptoms to look out for:

• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
• Difficulty in concentration.
• Difficulty in sleeping, either oversleeping or lack of sleep.
• Unplanned weight changes.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes sudden and unusual shifts in moods, energy, concentration, and activity levels. The mood swings range from depressive lows to manic highs. During the manic highs, you may experience heightened euphoria and energy levels that may lead to making impulsive decisions that may have negative consequences. On the flip side, during the depressive phase, you may experience a loss of interest and intense sadness and may struggle with suicidal thoughts. Bipolar is often diagnosed when a person experiences a mood episode. Now, here is the real deal: bipolar is not just about mood shifts from sadness to happiness. Still, it can also impact appetite levels, sleep patterns, and cognitive abilities like decision-making and concentration.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons like fall or winter. It occurs in climates with less sunlight at certain times of the year. The symptoms could last about 4-5 months out of the year, and they include fatigue, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and depression.

Persistent Depressive Disorder(PDD)

PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic mental disorder that causes low-level depression that can last for years. It is milder than Major depression disorder. However, it lasts longer. The symptoms vary from person to person:

• Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem
• Loss of interest in normal activities
• Low appetite or overeating
• Too little or too much sleep
• Low energy
• Poor concentration

Psychotic Disorders

It is also known as psychosis, and it causes a person to lose touch with reality and experience hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis affects people in different ways. Some may experience it once, have short periods, or live with it. Schizophrenia is an example of a psychotic disorder.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health issue that affects how you feel, think, and behave and disconnects you from reality. Some symptoms may include hallucinations, social withdrawal, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The treatment is usually lifelong and involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and support services to manage the condition effectively.

Raising awareness about Mental health issues is vital in creating a more understanding and supportive society where individuals feel empowered to seek help and prioritize their mental wellness.If you or someone you know is struggling with any mental health issues, remember that you are not alone and help is within reach. Take the first step towards better mental health by contacting a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s keep our minds in tip-top shape!