Do You Have a Common Mental Health Disorder?
Twenty-six percent of Americans adults suffer from a mental health disorder. Many of them co-occur with substance abuse issues. Common mental health disorders can diminish an individual’s capacity for dealing with the demands of life.
There are no limits when it comes to those affected by mental disorders. They occur in people of any age, race, or income bracket. Social stigmas persist in viewing mental health issues as a personal weakness rather than a medical problem requiring treatment. Listed below are three common mental health disorders.
1. Clinical Depression
Clinical depression causes persistent feelings of sadness in individuals. They lose interest in activities and relationships that previously excited them. The mood disorder affects how you feel and think, causing you several physical and emotional problems.
People suffering from clinical depression have trouble getting through day-to-day activities. The condition can become severe enough where someone may become suicidal.
Symptoms of Clinical Depression
- Constant feelings of emptiness and hopelessness
- Sudden angry outbursts
- Feelings of irritability or frustration over small details
- A lack of pleasure found in hobbies like sports, art, or exercise
- Issues with sleeping
- Lethargy and an overall lack of energy
- The feeling of moving underwater
- Feelings of anxiety or restlessness
- Fixating on past failures
- Feeling worthless or guilty over things you cannot control
- Poor concentration
- Trouble making decisions
- Memory issues
- Constant thoughts of death, suicidal tendencies, or actual suicide attempts
- Physical pains in your body like headaches or back problems
Many people have trouble recognizing the signs of depression in themselves. That leaves them vulnerable to dark thoughts that disrupt their daily lives.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another common mental health disorder. Survivors of trauma often have PTSD, like soldiers or those who live through an act of terror, physical assault, or serious accident. Nearly 3.5 percent of adults in the U.S. experience some form of PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
- Repeated flashbacks or intrusive thoughts of the event
- Consistently avoiding reminders of a distressing event
- Staying away from discussions of anything related to your trauma
- Having ongoing negative thoughts and feelings that distort your beliefs and how you see others
- Exploding in anger or behaving in self-destructive ways
Those with PTSD continue experiencing symptoms long after the event. The disorder can become severe enough to stop you from functioning normally. Individuals often experience health problems like memory problems, depression, and substance abuse.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
People who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experience unwanted thoughts, sensations, and ideas. These feelings drive them to perform repetitive actions. The behavior can manifest in compulsive hand washing, cleaning, checking the time, or continuously checking a door lock.
Severe OCD prevents individuals from focusing on anything other than their obsession. It can progress to where they can no longer function normally.
Symptoms of OCD
- Repeating actions to get rid of anxiety
- Constant cleaning because of a fear of germs
- Reordering and arranging items to reduce feelings of discomfort
- Mental compulsions caused by obsessive thoughts
- Regular checking of various safety features around a dwelling
Performing the act of compulsion brings a brief form of relief. However, individuals with OCD repeat the pattern over and over.
Seeking Help for Common Mental Health Disorders
It can seem impossible for those locked in the throes of a common mental health disorder to break free of the cycle. Atlantic Recovery Center helps those seeking help and recovery. We treat each client with care and compassion, mapping out a unique treatment plan aimed at addressing their specific issues.
Give yourself the chance to heal by contacting us at 1-866-824-5193. We offer support for many common mental health disorders.