What is Mental Illness?
Mental health disorders are common and can affect anyone, no matter their age. It’s believed that as many as 54 million Americans suffer from a mental disorder every year. Mental illness can be caused by severe stressors, including death, divorce, or job loss. It may also be caused by a genetic component, chemical imbalance, or a combination of all of these. Fortunately, with proper treatment, those with a mental illness can often learn to cope with their disorder and lead a healthy life. If you or someone you know are currently experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, know that there are many resources available to help. Our team at Mid Cities Direct Primary Care knows which symptoms to look for in children, teens, and adults alike to determine when mental illness may be having an effect. Our compassionate providers in Grapevine, TX are here to help you feel like you again.
Types of Mental Illnesses
No doubt you’ve heard a lot about mental illness, but how much do you really know about it? A mental illness is a disorder that affects the thoughts and behaviors of an individual and can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life. There are currently over 200 different types of mental illnesses. Some produce more mild symptoms while others can be more severe and debilitating. Common forms of mental illness include:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Dementia
You may start to notice personality or mood changes in someone you love. They may also change their habits or seclude themselves from social interactions. It can be challenging to determine whether someone you love is dealing with mental illness, particularly in young children and teens. If you suspect that you or a member of your family may be suffering from mental illness, our physicians know what signs to look for based on age, gender, behaviors, and more.
Mental Health Care FAQ
Are mental health issues common?
Mental health issues are very common. In the U.S. alone, mental health issues are the most common health condition, with more than half of adults being diagnosed with some form of mental health issues at some point in their life. In a given year, as many as 20% of people will experience a mental health issue.
What are the causes of mental health issues?
There is typically no one causative factor for mental health issues. Stress, personal problems, work, hormonal imbalances, health problems, sleep disorders, poor diet, drug and alcohol abuse, and more can contribute to mental health issues. That's why at Mid Cities Direct Primary Care, we start our treatment by listening to your problems, issues, and goals to help create a treatment plan personalized for your unique mental health needs.
What are the symptoms of a mental health issue?
Mental health issues can present in a wide variety of ways, including:
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and coworkers
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia and other sleep problems
- Irritability
- Anger, outbursts
- Losing interest in people, things, and activities once enjoyed
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Changes in eating habits
- Loss of interest in sex and/or hypersexuality
- Frequent mood swings
- and more...
Look to your family physician for mental health care
Not only is your family doctor likely to be the first medical professional who identifies that an individual is experiencing the symptoms of a mental illness, but they may also be able to provide referrals, help you build a treatment plan, or even have a mental health professional on staff. Never hesitate to bring up any unusual symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing with your primary care physician, even if those symptoms are mental, not physical! To feel better from the inside out, schedule an appointment at Mid Cities Direct Primary Care in Grapevine, TX, and get the care you need.
