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Common Types Of Mental Health

Depression

DEPRESSION

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness

  • Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activites, such as sex, hobbies or sports

  • Sleep disturbances, inlcluding insomina or sleeping too much

  • Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small asks take extra effort

  • Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain

  • Anxiety, agitation or restlessness

  • Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements

  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame

  • Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things

  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide

  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

The Four Major Causes of Depression

  • Family history.  Though there are no specific genes that we can look at and trace to depression, if your family members have had depression, you are more likely also to experience depression.

  • Illness and health issues.

  • Medication, drugs and alchohol.

  • Personality.

How Do You Release Depression?

They may seem simple, but they can help a lot.

  1. Exercise. Take a 15- to 30-minute brisk walk every day. …

  2. Eat healthy foods. …

  3. Don’t dwell on problems. …

  4. Express yourself. …

  5. Notice good things.

Most of all, if you’re going through depression, show yourself some compassion and kindness.

Anxiety

ANXIETY

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or fear. We all feel anxious at times, but anxiety may be a mental health problem if your feelings are very strong or last a long time. More than one in 20 of us have an anxiety disorder.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Feeling restless, wound-up or on-edge.

  • Being easily fatigued.

  • Having muscle tension.

  • Difficulty controlling feelings of worry.

  • Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, restlessness or unsatisfying sleep.

6 LONG-TERM STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH ANXIETY

  • Identify and learn to manage your triggers.

  • Adopt cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

  • Do a daily or routine meditation.

  • Try supplements or change your diet.

  • Keep your body and mind healthy.

  • Ask your doctor about medications.

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Stress

STRESS

Image by Simran Sood

Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with mental or emotional pressure.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Headaches or dizziness.

  • Muscle tension or pain.

  • Stomach problems.

  • Chest pain or a faster heartbeat.

  • Sexual problems.

8 WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY

  • Identify what stresses you out.

  • Avoid the stressors.

  • Change what you can and accept what you can’t.

  • Keep it positive.

  • Keep your body healthy.

  • Keep your mind peaceful.

  • Stay connected and talk to someone.

  • Manage your time more effectively.

PTSD

P T S D

Image by Ben White

People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.

What are the 5 signs of PTSD?

  • A life-threatening event. This includes a perceived-to-be life threatening event. …

  • Internal reminders of the event. These symptoms typically present as nightmares or flashbacks. …

  • Avoidance of external reminders. …

  • Altered anxiety state. …

  • Changes in mood or thinking.

How can I help myself with PTSD?

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  1. Learn about trauma and PTSD.

  2. Join a PTSD support group.

  3. Practice relaxation techniques.

  4. Pursue outdoor activities.

  5. Confide in a person you trust.

  6. Spend time with positive people.

  7. Avoid alcohol and drugs.

  8. Enjoy the peace of nature.

OCD

OCD

Image by Annie Spratt

People with OCD have time-consuming symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life. They can experience uncontrollable and recurring thoughts and engage in repetitive behaviours. 

Symptoms

  • Fear of contamination of dirt.

  • Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty.

  • Needing things orderly and symmetrical.

  • Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others.

  • Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.

Treatments for OCD

  • Exposure Therapy.  The psychotherapy of choice for the treatment of OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP), which is a form of CBT.

  • Imaginal Exposure.

  • Habit Reversal Training.

  • Cognitive Threapy.

Grief

GRIEF

Image by Julia Taubitz

Grief is a strong, sometimes overwhelming emotion for people, regardless of whether their sadness stems from the loss of a loved one or from a terminal diagnosis they or someone they love have received.

What are the 7 stages of grief ?

The seven emotional stages of grief are usually understood to be:

  • shock or disbelief

  • denial

  • bargaining

  • guilt,

  • anger

  • depression

  • acceptance/hope

Symptoms of grief can be emotional, physical, social, or religious in nature.

What is the best way to deal with grief ?

Instead, try these things to help you come to terms with your loss and begin to heal:

  1. Give yourself time. Accept your feelings and know that grieving is a process.

  2. Talk to others. Spend time with friends and family.

  3. Take care of yourself.

  4. Return to your hobbies.

  5. Join a support group.

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