The Biggest Mental Health Issues Facing Americans

      The Biggest Mental Health Issues Facing Americans

By Marie Miguel

Chances are, you may know someone who has a mental health disorder, or perhaps you have some disorder of your own.

Mental health science has improved over the recent decades, making it much easier to recognize when there's a problem in the mind. Currently, five major mental health disorders are facing Americans.

If left untreated, these issues can cause mental health crises down the road. Knowing what disorder you have can help you. Here are the five most prominent disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

We all have anxiety from time to time. From worries about an upcoming exam to other types of stresses, anxiety is nothing new. Anxiety becomes problematic when it takes over your entire life. An anxiety disorder typically involves uncontrollable anxiety for at least six months.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is when one has frequent anxious episodes. OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, involves rituals to clear one's thoughts. These can include things like frequent handwashing or doorknob touching. Panic disorder involves frequent panic attacks.

PTSD and social anxiety disorder are also under this umbrella.

Anxiety is treatable through therapy and medication. With enough treatment, an anxious person may end up feeling more in control of their lives.

Dementia

Dementia involves a gradual cognitive decline, especially as one is in their later years. Alzheimer's is the most known type of dementia. Someone with Alzheimer's will start forgetting some memories, which can lead to them being unable to perform basic tasks.

Dementia also includes Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's. While it's not curable, some lifestyle choices earlier in life may reduce your chances, and there is a treatment to prolong its effects.

Eating Disorders

People with eating disorders have an unhealthy relationship with food. Someone with anorexia may avoid eating altogether because of their skewed perception of their body. Meanwhile, a person with binge eating disorder may eat until they are uncomfortable.

Eating disorders are treatable, and one with an eating disorder should seek help from a therapist. If left untreated, eating disorders may lead to physical health issues.

Mood Disorders

A mood disorder isn't someone feeling moody on occasion. Someone with a mood disorder will feel a negative mood most of the time. This can lead to feelings of guilt, low energy, and other mental health issues.

Mood disorders may include depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse disorder. Many of them are treatable through medication and therapy, and if left untreated, the mood disorder may grow worse.

Psychotic Disorders

A psychotic disorder may affect your perception of reality. Someone who has a psychotic disorder may have hallucinations or delusional beliefs. If left untreated, your perception of reality may warp even further.

Psychotic disorders may include schizophrenia and drug-related disorders. These disorders are treatable, but one needs to talk to a therapist or a psychiatrist.

What Can I Do?

If you have a mental health disorder, you may wonder what you should do about it. Here are some tips.

• Lifestyle changes are essential. Eat right, work out, and get some rest. These methods will not treat your mental health disorders, but it is a start.

• Get a diagnosis, and educate yourself about what you have. For relatives, make sure they are educated as well.

• Remember, you are not alone. You can find support groups to help you every step of the way.

Seek Help

When you are having a mental health crisis, talking to a therapist is essential. BetterHelp allows you to speak to a therapist online and get help on your schedule. Sign up and see what a licensed therapist can do for your mental state.