Psychological illness is a term used to describe a wide range of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking and behaviour. These disorders can be serious and affect a person’s ability to function. They can be very common and affect millions of people worldwide.
Mental illness isn’t the fault of anyone or anything. It is the result of a complex combination of biological, psychological and social factors that are not normally seen in healthy individuals.
The majority of people with a mental illness recover and lead full, meaningful lives. But recovery doesn’t happen overnight and can take a lot of effort on the part of the individual and their family.
Some people who have a mental illness become very depressed or anxious and may have trouble sleeping, eating or feeling like they are in control of their lives. They also may have problems in their relationships with others or with themselves.
Depression and anxiety are the most common types of mental illness, accounting for about one-quarter of all diagnoses in the US. They can be severe and impact a person’s daily life, work and social functioning.
Other mental illnesses include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, a personality disorder and an eating disorder. A person with a mental illness should get help as soon as possible.
Those diagnosed with a mental illness are at risk of developing other medical conditions, including diabetes, stroke, hypertension and cancer. This can put them at high risk of suicide.
Risk factors for mental disorders vary from country to country, and can include poverty, unemployment, violence, disability and inequality. These factors can also be influenced by genetics, family history and environmental factors.
There is a range of effective treatment options for many mental health conditions. Some people may respond well to medication while others benefit from psychotherapy or other therapies.
Medication can relieve some symptoms of a mental illness and helps a person return to daily activities more quickly. However, it is important to follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and to avoid taking more than is prescribed.
Psychotherapy can help a person change their thoughts and behaviors and improve their mental health. It can be done in a one-to-one or group setting.
These techniques help people with a mental illness improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of self-harm or other negative outcomes. Psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals deliver these treatments.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns and promoting healthy ones. Other forms of psychotherapy include exposure therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.
Other types of therapy can be based on a humanistic or eclectic approach, depending on the needs of the patient. For example, interpersonal psychotherapy aims to improve the relationship between the patient and a therapist. Other approaches may involve addressing underlying psychic conflicts or defenses.
The most effective way to treat a mental health condition is by talking to a healthcare provider about it. The provider can then recommend a treatment plan that best suits the individual.