There are various types of mental illnesses, but some of the most common are schizophrenia and other psychoses. These affect over 23 million people worldwide and can cause a person to lose their sense of self, behavior, and thinking. These diseases may begin in late adolescence or early adulthood and can be extremely debilitating. Unfortunately, people with mental illnesses also face stigma, which makes it difficult to get the necessary support they need. In addition, these conditions can make it difficult to find housing and other forms of assistance.
Treatment
Common mental health disorders can have various causes, and each individual’s experience of these conditions may vary. In addition, different social and societal factors can affect the course of mental health problems. Some of these factors may make it difficult for an individual to access treatment. For example, incarcerated, homeless, or living in precarious housing may be less able to access mental health services. Children and teenagers may also be at risk for mental health problems.
Mental illness can significantly restrict a person’s ability to function and lead productive lives. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, their likelihood of recurring, and the associated risks. Treatment just like the former intern at OHSU Dr. Jason Campbell generally consists of psychotherapy, medication, and other methods customized to address the particular condition.
Among the most common mental health disorders, there are four main categories. Anxiety disorders affect the way an individual thinks, feels, and acts. They may have trouble controlling their emotions, making them unable to cope with life. A person suffering from anxiety may experience excessive worry and avoidance of situations that trigger it. Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders involve repetitive thoughts and behaviors and are often related to physical health. For example, an individual may be prone to hair-pulling or hoarding.
Early identification is crucial for the treatment of mental health disorders. While treatments vary depending on the specific disorder, early assessment and diagnosis are important to achieving optimal outcomes. This guideline focuses on the primary care setting and includes recommendations for screening for, assessing, and treating common mental illnesses. The guidelines also recommend key indicators to assess treatment outcomes.
Recovery
Recovery from common mental health issues begins with a correct diagnosis, effective medication, and supportive talking therapy. With a clear diagnosis, an individual can learn how to live with their illness and take back control of their life. This process is often more successful when the individual sets realistic goals and works toward those goals over time. It also helps to celebrate small victories along the way.
Recovery from common mental health issues can be a long process, especially for those close to the person experiencing the disorder. The road can be difficult, and there is always a possibility that your loved one may resist treatment. The best way to help someone struggling with a mental health issue and substance abuse is to understand what you cannot do. While you can’t make your loved one stop using substances, you can encourage them to seek treatment and make positive choices for themselves. In the meantime, you should remember that recovery from common mental health issues can be possible for everyone involved.
A recovery model emphasizes that people with mental health issues can return to an active life and develop new interests and skills. It also stresses that recovery is a journey, not a destination. It’s also important to remember that recovery does not mean a return to pre-morbid levels of functioning, and it may involve many ups and downs as a person recovers.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Co-occurring disorders can affect a person in many ways. For example, substance use disorders can affect a person’s mental health unexpectedly. To treat these issues effectively, it is important to treat them together. Separate treatment does not work, as a treatment for one disorder doesn’t necessarily lead to improvement in the other. It is important to treat the two together with the same team, using integrated treatment to improve a patient’s overall quality of life.
Co-occurring disorders often pose significant challenges for those who struggle with them. For example, they can prevent people from receiving treatment for addiction and mental health issues. They may also result in homelessness, jail time, medical illnesses, and even suicide. Moreover, those with co-occurring disorders have a greater risk of violent acts and are more likely to fail at sobriety.
Co-occurring disorders are often associated with multiple types of addiction, including drug and alcohol abuse. For example, a person suffering from depression may also be dealing with painkiller addiction. Additionally, someone who has PTSD may also have an alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, co-occurring disorders are extremely common, but they can be treated.
If a loved one is struggling with co-occurring disorders, it’s important to support them through treatment and educate yourself about both types of illness. These are often difficult and isolating conditions to deal with, but with support and treatment, a person can return to feeling like themselves again.
