Types of Mental Health Problems

Types of Mental Health Problems

The most common types of mental disorders that adolescents may face that they can overcome if they are detected in time and treated according to the recommendations of a specialist are:

Depression

It is normal to feel sad from time to time or to feel powerless and discouraged. They are normal emotions, as reactions to what is happening in our lives. Whether we are talking about the departure of a good friend, a breakup, an argument, a small note or the loss of a loved one, these are things that can make us feel sad. These are emotions that a person can normally overcome after a period of time.

Depression, on the other hand, is a permanent state of sadness, discouragement and even despair. A feeling of hopelessness, energy or desire to get involved in any activity.

This mental disorder can have several symptoms and is often difficult to identify. People around her may confuse her with a bad mood and a distant or mischievous attitude. Limited of concentration, distance from friends, family, acquaintances, plus symptoms at the physical level: sleep problems, stomach pain, headache, weight gain or loss.

Severe anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction of people that activates when a person perceives a threat or risk and to some extent is normal. The effects of anxiety are felt on a physical and mental level: alertness, rapid heartbeat, tense muscles, sweaty palms, feeling of tight stomach, shaking hands and feet. The intensity of the symptoms may be lower or higher.

Anxiety disorders involve constant fear, anxiety for no real reason. Anxiety can make you feel alert all the time, without being able to focus on other activities. When anxiety becomes a frequent condition, of high intensity, without a real reason and ends up affecting one's daily life and happiness, it means that the normal conditions have been exceeded and it is good to turn to a specialist.

 Suicide

Most people who commit suicide do so because they try to get rid of feelings that overwhelm them: rejection, pain, a loss suffered, feelings of guilt or shame, worry or fear of disappointing friends or family. Maybe others feel unwanted and accepted, are not loved, are victims of aggression, or feel a burden to others.

We all have periods when we feel overwhelmed by such emotions or difficult situations, but most look at problems in perspective and look for solutions and continue their lives either hoping for more beautiful moments or realizing that such a state can be temporary.

If a situation, no matter how difficult, can be overcome, why do some people fail to see any other escape and choose to take their own lives? The answer would be that many people who commit suicide suffer from depression.

Depression affects the way a person thinks, so that he can no longer see any way out of an unpleasant situation. Often people who think about suicide do not even realize that they are suffering from depression and do not realize that the condition is what makes them think that there is no escape from their condition, not the situation itself is without escape. . Treating depression progressively improves the way a person perceives reality.

Substance abuse

Adolescents who have problems with drugs and alcohol are at greater risk of suicide. Both alcohol and certain drugs have depressive effects on the brain. The problem is amplified by the fact that young people with various problems tend to use drugs and alcohol as a method of escape. It's just that, beyond the depressive effects, alcohol and drugs affect judgment and influence the perspective on risks, decisions and solutions to problems. Many suicide attempts take place under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Suicide can be planned, sometimes these thoughts appear suddenly after a situation in which the person feels helpless (an argument with the parents, a breakup, a low grade at school.

Alarm signals and what to do:

1.     When someone talks about suicide, they move away from friends, family, they no longer participate in activities that they would normally enjoy, they talk a lot about helplessness, despair or as if they feel a burden.

2.     If you yourself feel intense sadness for a long time and you are thinking about suicide, seek help as soon as possible.

3.     Talk to an adult you trust. Depression does not go away on its own, but requires dedicated treatment recommended by a specialist. Talk to a parent, teacher, or school counselor.

4.     Use emergency phone numbers. The specialized people are there to help and support you to overcome the difficult situation.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are more than a weight loss diet or trying to exercise daily. These are extreme in eating behavior and in the perspective on eating. A diet that never ends and that becomes increasingly restrictive or feelings of guilt after each meal or snack are signs that the person is suffering from an eating disorder

1.    Anorexia

People who suffer from anorexia have a constant fear of gaining weight, and the perception of their own body is totally wrong, always having the impression that they have gained weight. The result is that they eat very little and lose a lot of weight. Many teens with anorexia limit daily meals to extremely severe diets and excessive exercise. Every food is kept to a minimum, and calorie counting becomes an obsession. Negative effects on the body:

-         decrease in blood pressure, pulse and respiration;

-         hair loss and nail weakening;

-         menstrual cycle disorder;

-         difficulties in maintaining attention and concentration;

-         anemia;

-         fragile bones.

2.    Bulimia

People who suffer from bulimia eat in excess, so that in a short time they feel guilty and vomit or take laxatives, so as not to gain weight. In the long run, this disorder is dangerous both physically and emotionally.

Unlike those who suffer from anorexia (very weak), people with bulimia may look normal or may even be overweight. Negative effects on the body:

-         constant stomach pain;

-         damage to the stomach and kidneys;

-         tooth degradation (due to stomach acid);

-         menstrual cycle disorder;

-         loss of potassium (heart problems and even death).

Signs of eating disorders:

-         visible, excessive weight loss;

-         obsession with calories, exercise, diet;

-         obsessive weighing;

-         reduction of food portions;

-         avoiding parties and celebrations where there is food;

-         constant fear of gaining weight;

-         inventing excuses to go to the bathroom after every meal;

-         purchase of diuretics and laxatives.

Eating disorders can be treated. These involve both the body and the mind, so the treatment will involve both nutritionists and therapists. Treatment options depend on the person. It is important to talk to a trusted adult to take the first step in the right direction (parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, neighbor, nurse, etc.).

Learning to love your body and accept yourself as you are can take time, but it is a pleasant and satisfying feeling that is worth your effort.

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