The recent mass shootings in Colorado USA have led to increased discussions about mental illnesses. Despite what many people think, mental illnesses are very common and if diagnosed early many can be successfully treated and controlled. If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to remember there is hope and help. Recognising the early signs is important for successful treatment.
What is mental illness?
A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behaviour, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.
There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders.
Who gets a mental illness?
A mental illness can occur in anyone, from the very young child to the elderly. It affects all races and members of all societies. Some mental illness tend to occur more frequently in various age groups. For instance, schizophrenia is frequently first seen in teen or young adolescents but can occur at any age.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
There are many different types of mental illnesses and there are symptoms and signs that are specific to a particular mental illness. In some instances there might be very few warning signs or symptoms, while in other cases the symptoms and signs might be present but are ignored due to fear.
The following are signs that you or your loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional:
In adults
• Confused thinking
• Thoughts of suicide
• Social withdrawal
• Long-lasting sadness or irritability
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)
• Increasing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Denial of obvious problems
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties
• Strong feelings of anger
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
In older children and pre-teens
• Changes in school performance. Falling grades
• Inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of physical problems
• Defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Long-lasting negative mood, often along with poor appetite and thoughts of death
• Frequent outbursts of anger
• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
In younger children
• Changes in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Hyperactivity
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience and/or aggressive behaviour
• Frequent temper tantrums
Getting help
If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to keep in mind the following:
• Mental illnesses are real, recognizable and treatable.
• Early treatment may reduce the effects of a mental illness.
• There is hope.
• Help is available.
You might not be sure who is the right professional to visit. You can discuss this with your doctor who will then refer you to the most appropriate professional. You might have to see several professionals before finding the one who you feel comfortable with.With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder. For others, it may be a lifelong challenge.Recovery from a mental illness takes time; months or even years. Do not be discouraged by temporary setbacks, and try not to blame yourself when things go wrong.
Conclusion
There are many types of mental illnesses, and the early signs and symptoms will vary, but there are some general warning signs and symptoms that might indicate a mental illness. In a few cases, the signs and symptoms appear swiftly but most individuals develop the disease slowly over time. In most cases, there are subtle warning signs prior to the onset of a full-blown mental illness episode. Often, friends and family members are aware of the functional decline of their loved one but do not know the reason for it. Individuals are encouraged to seek professional help if they or their love ones have signs and symptoms that are suggestive of a mental illness. Treatment is available and, in many cases, behaviours can be controlled.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over twenty nine years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
