Self-Help Tools for Mental Health

Depression

Depression and physical health are closely linked and it’s important to understand how both are affected. Studies show that people who suffer from depression are twice as likely to have a heart attack than those who don’t have depression. Furthermore, women who have suffered severe panic attacks are three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack.

Fortunately, most people with depression are highly treatable. In fact, studies show that 80% to 90% of sufferers respond to treatment. With the right treatment, most patients experience complete relief of symptoms. Before beginning treatment, a health professional will conduct a thorough evaluation, including a medical exam and interview with the patient. If necessary, blood tests will be done to rule out other medical conditions that could cause depression. In addition to identifying specific symptoms, the evaluation will also explore family and medical histories, as well as cultural and environmental factors.

Many people with mental health disorders experience physical symptoms, including weight gain, irregular heart rhythms, and fatigue. Many psychiatric drugs can also affect the body’s hormonal balance. People who suffer from depression are also more susceptible to many other medical conditions. They may also be more likely to experience cardiovascular or respiratory problems.

Untreated depression can affect the immune system. The depressed state can increase the body’s inflammatory response, weakening the body’s ability to fight infection. Additionally, people who experience depression frequently report sleep issues, which can result in daytime fatigue. These problems can make it difficult to function at work or drive. Some people may also experience digestive problems.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation, but in some people, it can become chronic. The condition can interfere with daily life and cause feelings of intense sadness. A healthcare provider can help you cope with anxiety by working with you to develop strategies to reduce your symptoms.

Anxiety can also cause physical symptoms, such as high resting heart rate, abdominal pain, and lightheadedness. It can also lead to ongoing digestive problems and abdominal cramps. This is because anxiety has a direct impact on the nervous system, which controls digestion and bowel movements.

Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the United States, affecting forty million people, or almost 20% of adults. Nearly half of these individuals also have depressive disorders. Constant anxiety triggers a physical response as well, with the sympathetic nervous system increasing heart rate, breathing, and blood flow to the brain.

The negative correlation between anxiety and physical health is surprising, but may be due to the suppressor effect, an effect of moderate correlation between the two conditions. Research has shown that chronic anxiety is associated with increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. This connection warrants further study and adds to a growing body of literature relating anxiety to physical ailments.

Bipolar disorder

There are many signs to recognize when your mental health is affecting your physical health due to bipolar disorder. When you feel like you’re losing control of your life, it’s time to get help from a qualified mental health professional. Bipolar patients are likely to experience significant changes in their daily routine.

Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person experiences both manic and depressive episodes. This disorder affects both men and women equally. It is very common, and affects approximately 2.8% of the U.S. population, with 83% of those cases being severe. Left untreated, bipolar disorder often worsens. Proper diagnosis and treatment of this disorder involves medications, psychotherapy, and a healthy lifestyle. It’s also critical to recognize the symptoms early on. Some people with bipolar disorder may have long periods of symptoms without any apparent cause. Some people may even experience both extremes at once.

Many factors can increase your risk of developing bipolar disorder. For example, if one parent or sibling suffers from bipolar disorder, there’s a higher chance of developing the disorder as well. However, genetics are not the only factor, as identical twins are not at risk of developing bipolar disorder. Another important factor is stress. Some types of stressful situations can trigger episodes of depression, as can major life changes.

People with bipolar disorder often experience mania and depression in varying degrees. However, mania is often much more severe and can involve psychotic symptoms. In extreme cases, it may even result in hospitalization. People with bipolar disorder should seek help if their symptoms are affecting their daily lives.

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can cause serious health issues, including depression, agitation, and even suicide. Early stages of the illness can result in severe depression. Treatment is aimed at overcoming this, while also keeping the patient safe. It is possible to treat schizophrenia with medication.

One third of individuals with schizophrenia have a complete recovery, but many others experience relapses. People with schizophrenia also have increased risk of chronic physical illnesses. About 75% of those diagnosed with schizophrenia have at least one chronic physical condition. This risk increases as the illness becomes more serious. In addition to physical problems, people with schizophrenia are more likely to commit suicide within 10 years of being diagnosed.

There are two main types of symptoms in schizophrenia: positive and negative. Positive symptoms are experiences that occur along with reality, while negative symptoms are experiences of lack of normal feelings. Sometimes, these symptoms will appear years before psychosis develops. Symptoms of schizophrenia vary from individual to individual, although they are generally more severe than negative symptoms.

People with schizophrenia have an increased risk of obesity. Physical activity can reduce this risk. Those with schizophrenia who exercise regularly may experience a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Obesity, which is a serious problem, cannot be ignored.

Alcoholism

Alcoholism and mental health are two interrelated issues that affect the physical health of an individual. Both are caused by a change in brain chemistry. Alcohol depresses the brain’s normal functions by impairing the brain’s ability to regulate mood and behavior. The effects of alcohol on the brain’s function range from temporary to permanent. They affect people of all ages and genders.

A comprehensive treatment program begins with detoxification, which will remove alcohol from a person’s body. Once detoxification is complete, the individual can enter inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Inpatient rehab takes place in a residential facility, which is ideal for people with co-occurring disorders. The individual will receive therapy sessions, support groups, and medication.

Heavy alcohol use alters the brain’s chemical systems, which have been implicated in the development of many common mental disorders. As a result, a person with alcoholism may experience a wide range of psychiatric symptoms. These psychiatric symptoms, known as signs, often occur prior to alcoholism, and may even accompany the onset of alcoholism.

Alcohol-related disorders include depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Symptoms may cluster for weeks or months, mimicking other psychiatric conditions. However, they typically disappear after a period of abstinence from alcohol. Consequently, it is important to recognize these signs early to ensure timely treatment.