Mental illnesses, also referred to as mental disorders, are disturbances in how a person thinks, feels or behaves.
In many cases, such symptoms signify a problem in a person’s mental functioning and can cause profound impairment and distress in their social, work, or family life.
What is the definition of mental health?
Mental illness can have a profound impact on a person’s life. If you have ever experienced anxiety or depressive episodes, you might be able to relate to the challenges that people with mental illnesses face regularly.
The impact mental illnesses can have
If a mental health condition remains untreated, it may cause significant distress and disability, affecting the individual’s daily functioning, relationships, work, and how they interact with themselves and others.
Mental health stigma
Fortunately, in today’s modern world, the stigma attached to mental illness is not as prevalent as it used to be centuries ago.
Nowadays, most people view mental illness in much the same way as physical illness.
However, just as a physical disease produces specific symptoms, mental illness affects the body and mind.
Speaking to a mental health professional
Much like having a skin disorder or diabetes, there is no shame in having a mental health disorder – and much like physical diseases, support and treatment must always get sought.
Examples of mental health disorders
Many of us have mental health worries from time to time.
However, the warning signs of a mental health disorder become apparent when your symptoms are ongoing and cause frequent distress and impact your ability to function.
If you have a mental health condition, you may often feel empty, miserable or sad – such symptoms may also affect your school grades, work, and relationships.
Mental illnesses
Examples of mental health disorders include:
- Depression
- Addictive behaviours
- Anxiety disorders
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Seeking help and support
If you think you might have any of the following signs and symptoms, you must speak to your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If a mental health condition remains untreated, it may worsen or trigger other problems.
It is unlikely that your mental health condition and the symptoms will go away on their own – therefore, you must seek help and support immediately.
Signs of mental illness
The symptoms of mental illness can vary significantly.
The above is dependent on the type of mental disorder you have, the presence of other conditions, and your life circumstances.
Typically, mental health conditions affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, mood and behaviours.
Signs and symptoms
- Mood changes or mood swings – you may feel extremely high or low
- Isolation or withdrawal from family and friends
- Feeling empty, sad or down
- Inability to concentrate – you may also experience confused thinking
- Changes in your sex drive
- Excessive tiredness, sleep issues, or low energy and fatigue
- Profound or extreme feelings of guilt
- Significant worries or fears
- Hallucinations or paranoia, you may also feel detached from reality (delusions)
- Substance use such as drugs and alcohol
- Hostility, anger, or violence
- Changes in eating habits
- Suicidal thoughts or suicidal thinking
Risk factors for developing a mental illness
Various risk factors can put you at risk of developing a mental health condition.
They include:
- Substance use – illicit drugs or alcohol
- A family history of mental illness, such as a parent or sibling
- Chronic stress, such as divorce, bereavement, or financial concerns
- A limited social support group or having few friends
- A history of mental illness
- Chronic health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes
- Child abuse includes neglect or a history of abuse in your childhood.
- Traumatic injuries, e.g. brain injuries or other severe injuries
- Traumatic events or experiences – include the death of a loved one, combat or military assault or adverse experiences.
What causes mental illness?
Broadly, it’s impossible to say what causes mental illness – many people with mental health conditions may not neatly fit into the category of risk factors and may still develop a mental disorder.
On the other hand, those with increased risk factors may not develop a mental health disorder – essentially, there are no absolutes.
Causes of mental illness
However, it is thought that a combination of factors causes mental illness, such as:
- Environmental factors – such factors may occur before birth – an unborn child may be exposed to environmental stress, drugs or alcohol, toxins or other stressors while in the womb.
- Brain chemistry – changes in brain chemistry can put someone at risk of mental illness; for example, when neural networks involving chemicals like neurotransmitters get impaired, this can create nerve system changes that lead to anxiety and depression and other mental disorders.
- Family history – genetics and family history play a significant role in mental illness – specific genes may be responsible and increase your risk of developing a mental health condition.
Substance abuse and mental health
Substance abuse and mental illness often go hand in hand.
Mental health professionals refer to the above as ”co-occurring disorders” where a mental illness and a substance use disorder coincide.
Concurrent disorders
The connection between mental illness and substance abuse is complicated, and health professionals and scientists are continuing their research on concurrent disorders today.
Generally, the understanding between substance use and mental illness is that both have underlying causes and that one condition can often lead to the other.
Mental illness statistics
Mental illness is profoundly common and affects people from all walks of life.
Statistics show that in the United States alone, one in five adults experience mental illness.
Moreover, one in six children and teenagers between six and seventeen experience a mental illness, and one in twenty-five U.S. adults have a severe mental illness.
Supporting a loved one with mental illness
If someone you know or a loved one exhibits signs of a mental illness, having an honest and open discussion with them about your worries or concerns is a crucial first step.
You may be able to encourage your loved one or family member to seek help from a professional and help them to find a qualified therapist.
However, you cannot force someone to seek help for a mental illness – they must be ready and willing to engage in the process.
Compassion and support
You can also support a loved one with a mental illness by being compassionate, empathetic and supportive.
Many people with anxiety, depression or other mental disorders often feel misunderstood by others; thus, they might be reluctant to talk about their mental health problems, especially initially.
If your loved one is ready to engage in therapy, it might be helpful for you to accompany them to their appointment if that is an option.
Treatment
Most mental illnesses are treatable, and your treatment will depend significantly on the severity of your symptoms and diagnosis.
Research shows that psychotherapy and medications work best for some mental disorders.
Further research supports the use of alternative or complementary therapies, but again, treatment depends on your diagnosis and symptoms.
Addressing the underlying cause of mental illness and co-occurring disorders
For people with a history of substance abuse or trauma, trauma treatment may be beneficial – this may involve addressing the underlying cause of substance abuse while treating mental health symptoms.
Contacting Centres for Health and Healing
If you think you may have symptoms of mental illness, you must contact a specialist at Centres for Health and Healing who can help.
We specialise in treating various mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders.
We understand that reaching out in the first instance can be challenging.
However, help and support are always available.
Additional mental health resources in Canada
If you are struggling with mental illness, there are additional resources available that you may find helpful. They include:
- Youthspace
- Canadian Crisis Hotline at 1-(888)-353-2273
- The Lifeline Canada Foundation