There are many types of mental health issues, and these can range from those that are mildly intrusive to those that are debilitating and can make life incredibly difficult. Understanding types of mental health disorders helps you know more about what you or a loved one is struggling with.
Forms of Mental Health Illness
The list of mental illnesses is extensive, and a person can struggle with more than one mental health issue at a time. It is important that a mental health professional makes any diagnosis of a mental health disorder, as these issues are too complicated for a person to self-diagnose effectively. The following are some of the most frequently seen mental health disorders:
- Depression
- Anxiety including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Eating disorders including bulimia and anorexia
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorder including paranoia and fear of social settings
- Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia
- Impulse control disorders including pyromania and kleptomania
One of the most important parts of receiving mental illness help is that you receive a proper diagnosis. Once your mental health specialist has your diagnosis in hand, he or she will be able devise a comprehensive treatment plan for you.
How You Can Help a Loved One with a Mental Health Disorder
As a family member or friend who is concerned about the signs of mental illness in a loved one, you may feel like you are helpless. However you can do the following to ensure that your loved one receives the help he or she needs for his or her mental health disorder:
- You can reach out to a mental health helpline that will provide you with guidance towards getting your loved one into an integrated treatment facility
- You can provide your loved one with full support, when he or she enters a rehab program
- You can participate in family counseling sessions to demonstrate your support while getting the opportunity to discuss your own concerns for your loved one
- You can provide ongoing support once your loved one has left rehab
You can help your loved one manage a mental health disorder, but be sure that you take the time to care for yourself both physically and mentally. If you find yourself feeling run down, stressed or overwhelmed, call a recovery helpline for suggestions on how you can take care of you.