What words come to mind when you hear the term “mental illness?” Maybe “CRAZY”, “PSYCHO”, “INSANE”, “MAD”, maybe even “DANGEROUS”. Now think how silly it would be to hear similar uses of a physical disease like diabetes… “You’re so DIABETIC!”
Just like diabetes is the result of your pancreas not producing enough insulin, mental illnesses are the result of your brain having a chemical imbalance. Insulin affects the level of sugar in our blood whereas brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) affect our moods, thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
Mental illnesses are more common than one may think. One in four adults and one in five youth between 13 and 18 experience a mental illness in a given year. Even young children experience mental illnesses. The median age of anxiety disorder is 11 years old!
There are many different causes for mental illnesses which can include genetics, brain injuries, infections, diet, substance abuse, traumatic experiences, stress, and much more.
Like with diabetes, prevention and early intervention is key. Some things to do to prevent mental illnesses or catch them early would be de-stress your life, avoid using substances as these physically effect your brain and neurotransmitters, and take care of your basic needs by eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep.
When your mood, thoughts, behaviors, or emotions begin affecting important areas of your life including your job, your home-life, daily activities, your relationships, and how you feel about yourself, it may be a good time to see a health care provider for it. Some specific mental illness include low mood or mood swings, negative thoughts, extreme worry, seeing or hearing things that others don’t. Some symptoms affect your physical health including general physical pain, stomach issues, headache, shakiness, and sleep and appetite changes so it is important to talk about all that you are experiencing.
Treatment for mental illnesses focus on the areas that are affected and include detailed assessments and evaluations, talk therapy, and/or medication management.
Too many people go untreated for their mental illnesses, in fact, half of youth and more than half of adults with a mental illness go untreated. It is time to stop ignoring these health problems!
For more information on understanding mental illnesses or for an appointment with a Mental Health Care Provider, call FCP HWC Behavioral Health Department at 715-478-4332; we’d be happy to help!
References: National Alliance on Mental Illness