Nine Signs Of Mental Health Issues
5-minute read
One in 5 Australians will experience a mental health disorder. Learn the signs that could indicate a friend or family member struggling with their mental health.
Often it’s not a single change but a combination. The following 9 signs are not to help you diagnose a mental health disorder, but instead to reassure you that there might be good reason to seek more information about your concerns.
If youre concerned a friend or loved one is at immediate risk of suicide or self-harm, dial triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
Detailed Explanation For Being Overly Dramatic
In contrast to depression, overdramatic persons have quick mood swings and their emotions can rapidly swing to the extreme. Consider someone telling you a lame joke and you laughing so hard that the person begins to wonder if what he said was really that funny.
Overdramatic people speak and behave impulsively, without considering the consequences of their actions, and the majority of them struggle with self-esteem and self-importance. They are confrontational in character, often play the victim, and have a limited ability to manage their emotions.
There are two types of dramatic people: those that do it for attention, that is, those who do it to show everyone that they still exist because they may have suffered from neglect and loneliness in the past. The other type of dramatic person is one who has sensory amplifier. This group of people naturally exaggerate events and perceives things as being more intense than they normally are, so what may seem like no big deal to you may be a major deal to them, making them more emotionally sensitive to it.
However, it all boils down to context: your experiences and viewpoint. A person suffering from a terrible disease may overreact to death-related issues, and someone who survives drowning during childhood may overreact to water-related topics, but this does not necessarily imply that they are dramatic in all other areas.
Anxiety Is An Appropriate Response To Stressful Situational Triggers
From navigating a public health crisis to feeling high political tensions, its no wonder that many people are feeling a little uneasy in 2020. And truthfully, stress is a perfectly normal and appropriate way to respond to situational triggers such as COVID-19, a job loss, or uncertainty around the election.
In fact, many people who have never had depression before 2020 have been diagnosed this year. And Id estimate that about one-third of my patients who already have a depression diagnosis have experienced worsening symptoms during this challenging year.
One-third of American adults who have #Depression experienced worsening symptoms during 2020. On the #LiveWellHealthy blog, Dr. Adams shares 6 signs that its time to prioritize your #MentalHealth: https://bit.ly/2JGCjx3.
For some, healthy habits can reestablish their mental health, helping them to maintain their equilibrium. For others, a situational trigger can cause a downward spiral that leads to anxiety or depression. When that happens, it may be time to reevaluate how you take care of yourself.
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Lifestyle Changes For Depression
Lifestyle changes, such as making art, journaling, exercising more, and practicing yoga or mindfulness, can also alleviate depression and the stress that can heighten it. Alternative treatments like massage, acupuncture, and light therapy may also help.
Diet changes, too, can uplift your mood by reducing inflammation and helping to ensure your brain gets the nutrients it needs to function at its best.
PLoS One
Im Having A Really Hard Day
This is what I tell my husband when anxiety breaks through my medication and Im feeling flawed and fragile.
The sheer ability to say this out loud is proof of how much Ive grown.
He tends to respond with encouragement, which somehow accomplishes the exact opposite. Its ok tomorrow will be better, sounds to me like, Youre fine. Get over it.
I was 39 before I learned to say, I need you to give me a hug and ask me whats wrong, or, I need to cry on your shoulder for a minute, or Can you make me a grilled cheese sandwich?
Its rarely innate to ask for what our heart needs. But its undeniably necessary if we want to find our way in the world.
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The Difference Between Normal Moodiness And Something More Serious
There are several things to keep in mind:
Consider the following important suggestions to limit tension and make the conversation more productive:
- Speak in a calm tone of voice.
- Express concern about specific behaviors and start with the word I, such as I cant help but notice that you havent been eating much at dinner and your stomach aches have been getting worse. Then, be prepared to listen.
- Try not to interrupt the other person.
- Avoid sarcasm, threats and yelling.
- Avoid personal attacks and demeaning words.
- Try not to use words always or never.
- Deal with the now, not the past.
- Do not try to get the last word.
- If things get too heated, take a break and come back to the discussion later.
- Parents: Remember what it was like to be a teen.
- Acknowledge that you are in this together
As her parent, you have taught her values, beliefs, and guidelines and you are in the best position to notice when she is acting out of character. Trust your gut and do not let pride or denial get in the way of addressing a serious problem with your teen.
References:
Adolescent Moodiness vs. Depression . Retrieved June 9, 2017, from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-q-and-a/parenting/adolescent-moodiness-vs-depression
Normal teenage behavior vs. early warning signs of mental illness. . Retrieved June 9, 2017, from http://www.asmfmh.org/resources/publications/normal-teenage-behaviour-vs-early-warning-signs-of-mental-illness/
Are You Suffering From Depression
We all manifest the symptoms in different ways, says Kaey. Its not a simple thing to diagnose, which is all the more reason to keep on top of it and pay attention to your feelings and health.
Could you be depressed without realizing it? Here are eight signs that you might be suffering from depression.
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Major Depression: What Are The Symptoms
Depression shows itself in different ways. Common depression symptoms are:
- Depressed mood, sadness, or an âemptyâ feeling, or appearing sad or tearful to others
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Significant weight loss when not dieting, or significant weight gain
- Inability to sleep or excessive sleeping
- Restlessness or irritation , or feelings of âdraggingâ
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness, or excessive or inappropriate guilt
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating, or indecisiveness
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or specific plan for committing suicide
Feeling Anxious Or Worried
We all get worried or stressed from time to time. But anxiety could be the sign of a mental health disorder if the worry is constant and interferes all the time. Other symptoms of anxiety may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, headache, sweating, trembling, feeling dizzy, restlessness, diarrhoea or a racing mind.
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Should You Worry About Antidepressant Withdrawal
insomniaPsychiatric Times
More to the point, while you should slowly stop your antidepressant with the help of your doctor, antidepressants do not cause dependence and withdrawal like other substances. Unlike substances that are known to cause addiction, such as alcohol, opioids, and barbiturates, people don’t crave antidepressants. You dont get high from them, and they arent intentionally or compulsively overused. Serious reactions like the seizures and agitation that can follow sudden withdrawal from addictive substances are unheard of when these antidepressants are tapered gradually, note the authors of the Psychiatric Times report.
You Can Play A Role In Research By Joining A Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are research studies that look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. The goal of clinical trials is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe. Although individuals may benefit from being part of a clinical trial, participants should be aware that the primary purpose of a clinical trial is to gain new scientific knowledge so that others may be better helped in the future.
In addition to volunteer research opportunities for the patient groups listed above, research opportunities for healthy volunteers are also available. Healthy volunteers play a critical role in our studies.
For more information about clinical research and how to find clinical trials being conducted around the country, visit NIMH’s clinical trials webpage.
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Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
Being sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. But usually, the sadness goes away with a little time. Depression is differentit is a mood disorder that may cause severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is more common among women than men, likely due to certain biological, hormonal, and social factors that are unique to women.
This brochure contains an overview of five things that everyone should know about depression in women.
Signs And Symptoms: How To Identify Depression
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersdiagnosed with major depressive disorder
Do you:
- Constantly feel tearful, empty, or worthless?
- Have little interest or pleasure in your work, hobbies, friends, family, and other things you once enjoyed?
- Notice dramatic changes up or down in your appetite or your weight not related to dieting?
- Often feel listless or fatigued for no obvious reason?
- Have trouble concentrating or making decisions?
- Find yourself wringing your hands, pacing, or showing other signs of anxious restlessness or the opposite, moving or speaking more slowly than usual?
- Struggle with insomnia or sleep too much?
- Have recurrent thoughts of suicide or death?
To be diagnosed with MDD, one of your symptoms must be a persistent low mood or a loss of interest or pleasure, the DSM-5 states. Your symptoms must also not be due to substance abuse or a medical condition, such as thyroid problems, a brain tumor, or a nutritional deficiency.
Of course, its normal to have any or all of these symptoms temporarily from time to time. The difference with depression is that the symptoms persist and make it difficult to function normally.
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Depression Affects Each Woman Differently
Not every woman who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms. Others have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the illness.
Where Can I Learn More About Depression in Women?
The following agencies have additional information on depression in women.
Depression Is A Real Medical Condition
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. Depression symptoms can interfere with your ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy your life. Although researchers are still studying the causes of depression, current research suggests that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Most people with depression need treatment to feel better.
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If You Just Dont Feel Like Yourself It Could Be A Sign You Need To Take Care Of Your Mental Health
If something just feels off, dont ignore that feeling. When you dont feel like yourself for an extended period of timesay three weeksthats a good sign that you should reprioritize your mental health. While it may be hard to pinpoint what exactly that feels like, it could manifest itself in the following six signs of a mental health concern:
Addressing Sleep Problems Makes A Difference
If you sleep poorly and feel depressed, anxious, or less emotionally responsive, there are many treatments that can help. First, look at your sleep habits and see if there are steps that you can take on your own to improve the quantity and quality of your sleep. See Adopt Good Sleep Habits for tips on how to improve your sleep. If problems persist, you may wish to see a medical provider and ask about an evaluation for sleep problems and mental health concerns. After an evaluation and diagnosis, your provider can advise you on the best course of treatment. Options may include behavioral or other forms of therapy and/or medications. You can read about and watch a video of a behavioral sleep consultation in the Healthy Sleep module.Even if you do not have underlying sleep problems, taking steps to ensure adequate sleep will lead to improved mood and well-being. Sheila, a Boston district attorney and mother, became sleep deprived due to the conflicting demands of a full-time job and caring for her young children. She began to feel cranky, irritable, and uncharacteristically depressed. When she got both of her children on a consistent sleep schedule, she herself started sleeping an average of seven to eight hours a night and her mood improved considerably. Read more and watch a video about this in Sheila’s Balancing Act.
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How Is Depression In Women Treated
There are a variety of ways to treat depression, including medications such as antidepressants, brain stimulation techniques like ECT or TMS, and individual psychotherapy.
Family therapy may help if family stress adds to your depression. Your mental health care provider or primary care doctor will determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are unsure who to call for help with depression, consider checking out these resources:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
- Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Private clinics and facilities
What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder
Histrionic personality disorder is a mental health condition marked by intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self-image. The word histrionic means dramatic or theatrical.
For people with histrionic personality disorder, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others and doesnt come from a true feeling of self-worth. They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed and often behave dramatically or inappropriately to get attention.
People with histrionic personality disorder often dont realize their behavior and way of thinking may be problematic.
Histrionic personality disorder is one of a group of conditions called Cluster B personality disorders, which involve dramatic and erratic behavior.
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How Does Depression In Women Differ From Depression In Men
Depression in women differs from depression in men in several ways:
- Depression in women may happen earlier, last longer, be more likely to come back, be more likely to be tied to stressful life events, and be more sensitive to seasonal changes.
- Women are more likely to have guilty feelings and attempt suicide, although they actually take their own lives less often than men.
- Depression in women is more likely to be linked to anxiety disorders, especially panic and phobic symptoms, and eating disorders.
Seek Out Therapeutic Care
Engaging with a therapist, being diligent with your medication, and making the changes you need to make to get better will determine your prognosis.
If the cost of therapy is becoming a burden consider talking to your therapist for a sliding scale option or the possibility of a pro bono case, and if that is not possible ask your therapist to refer you to someone who can take on your case at a much lower rate or for free.
Your therapist will help you understand what is happening to you, might prescribe you medication if needed, and can help you tap into your own strengths that can help you adapt to challenges, changes, and overcome them.
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How Is Depression In Women Treated During Pregnancy
Growing evidence suggests that many antidepressant medicines, including most SSRIs , appear to have minimal risks when treating depression during pregnancy, at least in terms of the potential short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects continue to be studied.
Risks can differ, depending on medication as well as many other things during a pregnancy that can endanger a developing fetus. Untreated depression can put both mother and infant at risk. Sometimes, electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation are used to treat severe depression during pregnancy when other treatments have not worked
Discuss the possible risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.
What Are The Different Antidepressants And How Do They Work
- SSRI This category of drug includes fluoxetine , citalopram , and sertraline and targets serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps control mood, appetite, and sleep.
- SNRI SNRIs include drugs like duloxetine , desvenlafaxine , and venlafaxine , which block the reabsorption of both serotonin and another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine.
- NDRI This class of medications includes bupropion.
- TCA TCAs include such drugs as imipramine and nortriptyline . These drugs were among the earliest antidepressants to come on the market. These days, doctors generally only turn to them when treatment with SSRIs, SNRIs, and NDRIs has failed.
- MAOI MAOIs, including phenelzine and isocarboxazid , were the first antidepressants developed. Theyre rarely used today, in part because people who take them require careful monitoring to prevent negative interactions with certain foods and other medications.
All antidepressants can have side effects, but some may be more problematic than others. You may need to try several different medications, or a combination, guided by your doctor, before you find what works best for you.
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