Mental health is a state of well-being in which a person realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal stresses, and works productively and fruitfully.
Treatment for a mental illness involves a personalized plan that includes psychotherapy (talk therapy), medication and other treatments. These may be used alone or in combination.
Depression
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can negatively affect your thinking, acting and feelings. It causes sadness, emptiness, loss of pleasure and can cause you to become reclusive and uninterested in formerly pleasurable activities.
It may be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. It is more common in women than men and can be triggered by major life events, such as bereavement or a loss of job or a relationship.
If you have depression, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to get better. Treatments such as medication and psychotherapy can improve your symptoms and help you lead a more fulfilling life.
Depression can be caused by a number of things, including brain chemistry and hormone levels. It may also be more likely in people with a family history of depression or other mood disorders. It may also be a result of early childhood trauma.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural part of life and most people experience it from time to time. But when a person is anxious all the time, it can interfere with their day-to-day activities and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath or heart palpitations.
Anxiety disorders are a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. They're often caused by a combination of factors, including stressful life events, traumatic experiences or changes in brain structure.
If you're experiencing anxiety, there are things you can do to help. Stress management techniques, meditation and support groups are helpful.
You can also talk to a professional, who can assess your condition and recommend treatment options. These include medication and psychotherapy, known as "talk therapy."
Paranoia
Many people experience paranoid thoughts and beliefs from time to time, but if these are more frequent or begin to interfere with daily life, they may need treatment. Often, paranoia is associated with mental illness or personality disorder, but it can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, like drug use and alcoholism.
Genetics, brain chemistry, trauma and stress are all possible factors. Behavioral therapies can also help treat this condition.
Psychotherapy can be very effective, as it helps people to release repressed feelings and emotions. It can also teach people how to build trusting relationships with others.
People who have a history of abuse or other types of traumatic events may be more likely to develop paranoia later in life. They may start to believe that others are spying on them or that they have been targeted by other people.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Some people who experience a traumatic event develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The condition can cause symptoms that last more than a month and interfere with normal functioning.
The symptoms can be related to a person’s thoughts, feelings or memories of the traumatic event. These symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks or re-experiencing the events.
Avoidance symptoms can also occur. These can involve avoiding places, people or objects that remind you of the traumatic event.
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), can help reduce symptoms. It is often used in combination with medication.
Some people who have PTSD may also have other mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. These can also be treated with talk therapy. Those who have these other problems should see their doctor for assessment and treatment. The sooner treatment starts, the better. It may take up to 8 or 12 therapy sessions before the symptoms begin to improve.
