According to WHO, mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.
Mental health conditions include mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities as well as other mental states.
People with mental health challenges are more likely to experience lower levels of mental well-being, but this is not always or necessarily the case.
Four types of mental health disorders
- Mood disorders
This is a group of mental illnesses that affect a person’s emotional state. It can cause a disconnect between actual life circumstances and the person’s state of mind or feeling.
Some of the symptoms will include feeling of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, irritability, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, trouble sleeping and fatigue.
Types of mood disorders
Depressive disorders, such as major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and persistent depressive disorder.
Wild disorders( two minds behaviour)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Causes of these disorders
This condition can be triggered by brain chemicals imbalance, medical issues such as brain tumors, thyroid problems, or cancer, hormonal changes and stressful life events.
2. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, or unease.
They include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.
Symptoms may involve restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and difficulty concentrating.
Support and Treatment
At length, Long-term therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychotherapy, is often beneficial.
3. Personality disorder
People have unique personalities made up of a complex combination of different traits.
Also, this trait affect how people understand and relate to the world around them, as well as how they see themselves.
It involves enduring patterns of behavior and thinking that differ significantly from societal expectations.
Types
Borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder.
Symptoms
Challenges with emotional regulation, distorted self-image, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and impulsive behaviors.
Support and Treatment
Long-term therapy, particularly dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychotherapy, is often beneficial.
4. Psychotic disorders
Psychotic disorders are severe mental illnesses that affect how people think, feel, and behave.
They can cause people to lose touch with the reality, making it difficult to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.
Types
Schizophrenia and brief psychotic disorder.
Symptoms
Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and difficulty distinguishing between what is real and imagined.
Support and Treatment
Treatments include antipsychotic medications, therapy, and structured support from family and caregivers.
The Importance of Awareness and Support
On the contrary, mental health disorders are not a sign of weakness; rather, they are medical conditions that require understanding and appropriate care.
Therefore, early intervention, open conversations, and efforts to reduce stigma are essential in fostering a supportive environment.
Some people with these types of disorders return to normal functioning with treatment, others have varying levels of disability.
