Mental health conditions affect one’s thinking, behavior, and mood. In America, 1 in 5 people experiences mental health problems. While these figures can be alarming, it is important to know that outpatient mental health facilities can help with these situations. Here are two of the most common mental conditions:
1. Depression
Depression involves constant feelings of sadness and loss of interest in life. While it is normal to get sad or depressed from time to time, especially after unfortunate events, depression is different. It is a chronic condition that can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health. Symptoms of depression include:
- A negative outlook on life
- Being guilt-ridden
- Feelings of self-hate
- Lack of motivation or interest to do things
- Constant worrying
- Being intolerant of people
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Having low self-esteem
- Difficulty in concentrating and deciding
- Decrease in appetite and weight
- Neglecting hobbies and interests
- Avoiding social activities
- Loss of sex drive
- Being in a low mood constantly
- Having suicidal thoughts
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is characterized by intense feelings of sadness or depression that last over two weeks. It can interfere with daily activities and may lead to other physical and mental problems.
Psychotic Depression
Psychotic depression is a serious condition that needs medical intervention. It involves symptoms of MDD accompanied by psychosis. Delusions and hallucinations are major symptoms of psychotic depression.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes extreme changes in mood, level of energy, and behavior. People with this condition have alternating episodes of depression and mania (manic depression). They may feel extremely low one time and suddenly shift to being happy and energetic, and vice versa.
Postpartum Depression
Many women get postpartum depression after giving birth. This condition can cause feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and exhaustion, as well as mood swings. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year.
Perinatal Depression
Perinatal depression can happen to women during pregnancy. It may continue after giving birth. Symptoms are similar to those of postpartum depression.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
PDD is also known as dysthymia. It is not as severe as MDD (major depressive disorder), though the symptoms are similar. While this condition is considered mild or moderate, it lasts for long periods (hence it is called persistent).
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is caused by changes in season. It is also called “winter depression” as it often occurs from late fall till winter.
2. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve constant or excessive worry and fear. These conditions are persistent and may get worse if left untreated. Here are some types of anxiety disorders and their symptoms:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized anxiety disorder makes a person get persistently anxious about various situations and events. Symptoms of GAD include:
- Getting easily fatigued
- Being mostly irritable
- Having sleep problems
- Getting worried for no apparent reason
- Being restless
- Feeling unusually nervous or tense
- Experiencing unexplained headaches or stomachaches
Panic Disorder
It is common for people to have a panic attack or two at some point in their lives, but if it becomes frequent, it can be a panic disorder. It can cause people to have frequent and sudden panic attacks, to the point that they feel like they are losing control of themselves. Those with this condition can experience the following during a panic attack:
- Shaking or trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Racing heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Sudden fear of death
- A sense of detachment
- Worrying about impending danger
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a condition that causes a person to have unwanted thoughts and feel compelled to do something repetitively to subdue those thoughts. A classic example is washing one’s hands many times after touching something out of fear that it is dirty.
- Common Themes of Obsession:
- Sticking to a routine
- Checking
- Counting
- Asking for reassurance
- Cleaning/arranging
- Common Themes of Compulsion
- Cleaning a room repeatedly, as if it will never be clean enough
- Checking many times if the doors are locked
- Repeating a phrase over and over
- Hoarding stuff
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing a distressing or shocking situation. It is common among people who were exposed to war and disaster, and those who became victims of assault or abuse. This condition causes people to have recurring, intrusive thoughts of the traumatic event they experienced. It can be triggered by any reminder of that situation, such as sound or smell.
If you think you or a loved one is going through any of the conditions above, consult an outpatient mental health facility immediately. It is best to have a mental health professional assess the situation to help the patient cope and recover.