Mental health disorders are more common than one may think. Despite dramatic strides in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, there are some who remain hesitant to bring up mental health issues.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) says one out of every eight people around the world live with a mental disorder. Considering there are nearly eight billion people in the world, that equates to one billion with a mental health condition.
Mental disorders affect thinking, feeling, mood, and behaviour. Some mental health conditions can be chronic, while others are temporary, indicates MedlinePlus. Mental illness can result from life experiences, traumatic brain injury, genes, family history, and other biological factors. The following are some of the common mental health conditions people may experience.
Anxiety disorders: Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, social phobias, specific phobias, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions are characterized by feelings of worry, fear and nervousness that are strong enough to interfere with daily activities.
Depression: Depression involves feeling sad, irritable or empty. Loss of pleasure or interest in activities, including ones that were once enjoyed, can occur. These feelings need to occur every day, for most of the day for at least two weeks to be classified as depression, says the WHO. People with depression often feel hopeless about the future, may have changes in sleeping patterns, may have changes in appetite, and may feature low energy.
Eating disorders: WebMD indicates eating disorders involve extreme emotions, attitudes and behaviors involving weight, body image and food. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder are the most common eating disorders. Body dysmorphic disorder also is a mental health condition, and it involves worry about flaws in appearance, which can be related to eating disorders.
Addiction and impulse control disorders: Individuals with impulse control and addiction disorders are unable to resist the urges to perform acts that can be harmful to themselves or others. These behaviors can include using drugs or alcohol, gambling, sexual addictions, kleptomania, and others.
Bipolar affective disorder: This is a type of mood disorder previously known as “manic depression.” Someone with this condition experiences episodes of mania (elation) and depression, says Better Health Victoria, an Australian health resource.
Speaking with a doctor about mental health conditions is the first step to getting help. There are many different treatment options, including cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, medication, meditation, and other options.
