What is a mental illness?
Mental illness can affect the way your mind works and can have an impact on your emotions, mood, behaviors, and physical wellbeing. Mental illness makes it difficult or impossible for you to function normally in work, social, or personal activities. There are hundreds of forms of mental illnesses, and they vary widely in severity.
Some of the signs you may have a mental illness include:
- Sudden or extreme anxiety
- Moodiness
- Constant complaining
- Inability to function in usual situations
- Change of personality
- Socially reclusive
- Engaging in risky activities
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Lethargy or hyperactivity
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Excessive fear
- Delusions
- Depression
- Incessant worry
Another serious sign of mental illness is having suicidal thoughts. If you’re in need to talk to someone, there are various hotlines for help. You can also call the Charter Medical Center, where the team can help find you the proper help you need.
What are some types of mental illness?
The main types of the more than 200 mental health disorders are:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Phobias
- Addictive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
Depending on the type and severity, mental illnesses affect each person uniquely.
What causes mental health problems?
Your mental health problem may be linked to a biological problem or it could be due to:
- Trauma
- Extreme stress
- Genetics
- Brain injury
- Certain serious illnesses
- Environmental toxins
- Alcohol or drug abuse
It’s also possible that mental problems are the side effect of certain prescription medications. Dr. Olusanya takes a full inventory of your medications during your consultation.
How are mental illnesses treated?
With proper treatment, you can learn to live with your mental health problem or make a full recovery. Dr. Olusanya meets with you to understand your symptoms, discuss your medical and family history, and evaluate your overall health.
Depending on your diagnosis, he writes a custom treatment plan that may include:
- Counseling
- Therapy
- Medication
- Stress management
- Mindfulness exercises
- Lifestyle changes
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, schedule a consultation with Dr. Olusanya at Charter Medical Center, or request a visit online.
