Mental illness are disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior.
Types of Mental Illness
- Depression
- Anxiety (panic disorder, OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, phobias)
- Bi-polar Disorder
- Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
- Schizophrenia
- Personality Disorders
- Eating Disorders
- Addictive Behaviors
Mental Illness Symptoms
- Feeling sad or down
- Feelings or mood swings of extreme highs and lows
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
- Excessive fears, worries, anxieties or extreme feelings of guilt
- Social withdrawal
- Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Strong feelings of anger, hostility or violence
- Delusions or hallucinations or paranoia
- Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Difficulty relating to situations and people
- Suicidal thoughts
- Numerous unexplained physical ailments
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Sex drive changes
- Suicidal thinking
Causes of Mental Illness and Risk Factors
Inherited traits. Mental illness is more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have a mental illness. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.
Environmental exposures before birth. Exposure to viruses, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness.
Brain chemistry. Biochemical changes in the brain are thought to affect mood and other aspects of mental health. Naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters play a role in some mental illnesses. In some cases, hormonal imbalances affect mental health.
- Having a biological (blood) relative, such as a parent or sibling, with a mental illness
- Experiences in the womb — for example, having a mother who was exposed to viruses, toxins, drugs or alcohol during pregnancy
- Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one's death or a divorce
- A chronic medical condition, such as cancer
- Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head
- Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or being assaulted
- Use of illegal drugs
- Being abused or neglected as a child
- Having few friends or few healthy relationships
- A previous mental illness
Sources:
Mayo Clinic: Mental Illness
Mental Health America
Makeitok.org
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