A psychological illness is a medical term for any condition that affects how you think, feel or behave. Psychological illness includes mental disorders, personality disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders.
It can be diagnosed by a doctor who knows about the different kinds of mental illnesses and how to treat them. They will ask you about the symptoms you have, and look at other factors such as your life history and environment.
They will also take into account how your illness affects the way you live and work. They will give you treatment that will help to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Treatment for mental illness typically involves medication, and often psychotherapy or other therapies to help you cope with the problems you are facing. Sometimes, you may need to go to hospital or a residential treatment program for longer periods.
You can also choose to take part in group or family therapy. These groups can help you meet others with similar problems and gain support from them.
Many people with mental illness find that talking about their feelings and experiences can help them deal with their problem. There are a wide range of groups and services that offer these, so it’s worth looking for one near you.
Psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants and mood stabilisers, can help control the symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. These drugs are usually taken orally and can be a very effective treatment for some disorders.
Medication can have side effects, so it’s important to take them as recommended by your doctor. There are also other treatments, such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), that can help you relax and cope with your stress.
Your doctor will talk to you about how the treatment will work and what could happen if you don’t take it. They will also let you know about any other health professionals or community supports that you might need to access as part of your care.
They might suggest some lifestyle changes that will help you manage your symptoms better, such as exercise or avoiding alcohol and drugs. These lifestyle changes might be difficult for some to implement, but can be a crucial part of your treatment plan.
You can also try acupuncture, yoga or tai chi, which are all ways to stimulate the flow of energy in your body and reduce anxiety or depression. They can also be used to help you focus on your problems and learn new skills for dealing with them.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is an effective treatment for many types of mental illness. This type of therapy is based on the belief that changing how you think can change how you feel and behave. It involves a series of sessions in which you work with a therapist to improve your thoughts, beliefs and behaviour.
There is a lot of information available on the internet about mental illness, and if you need help to decide what you need to do to take care of your health and get treatment, it’s a good idea to do some research before you talk to your doctor. You can find useful resources on our website, as well as online support groups.