What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is not as uncommon as many people believe. Mental disorders impact a number of people and their loved ones every day with an estimated 54 million Americans suffering some form of mental disorder each year.
Mental illness is not, despite its name, confined only to the mind. It has both emotional and physical impacts that affect an individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Mental illnesses have the power to impact every aspect of one’s life including the personal, social, and professional.
Thankfully there are many options for mental health disorder treatment.
Effective treatment integrates methodologies which address the many layers of the illness. Mental health disorder treatment should help to heal the physical, mental, and emotional wounds the individual suffers. All underlying causes should be explored and a constant system of support offered for individuals to gain lasting recovery.
Types and Symptoms:
Though the more than 200 known mental disorders throughout the world impact each individual differently, there are some common signs to watch for:
- Changes in personal habits, mood, or personality
- Social withdrawal
- Confusion
- Chronic depression
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Sudden or intense anger
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Thoughts of suicide
- Physical ailments
- Substance abuse
- Chronic anxiety
- Difficulty functioning day to day
Triggers:
Stress or traumatic events may trigger or worsen a mental illness. Other factors include genetic predisposition, biochemical imbalances, environment, or any combination of these things. While mental disorders can be highly destructive and disruptive to one’s life, there are many safe, effective options for mental disorder treatment.
Forms of Mental Health Disorder Treatment:
Integrated treatments which address the physical, mental, and emotional layers of the disorder involve collaboration between medical professionals, counselors, support networks, and more. Just as each condition is unique to the individual, treatment should be equally personalized for lasting success. Heather R. Hayes & Associates is proud to help families overcome the challenge of finding the best treatment for their loved ones. We work to ensure our clients find the right treatments for them with care that combines compassion, proven success, and respect. If we can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you have.
