Mental Health Normalcy
What is it? Does it even exist?
Most of us consider ourselves to be mentally normal. Do we have ups and downs? Of course-Normal. We quote that old bromide, “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. We even make jokes about “those crazies” who belong in the loony bin or a rubber room. Funny? Maybe not so much.
Look around you; at a ballgame, concert, club, on the job, in class, on the street, in the mirror.
There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness. Some of the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms may include changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.
According to data from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA), 20 percent (1 in 5) of people in America suffer from a form of mental disorder, and 5 percent (1 in 20) suffer from a disorder severe enough to affect school, work or other aspects of daily life.
(psychguides)
Briefly, here are additional common categories.
*Alcohol/Substance Abuse.
*Alcohol/Substance Dependence.
*Anxiety Disorders.
*Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
*Bipolar Disorder
*Depression.
*Eating Disorders.
*Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
(Symptoms & Treatments of Mental Disorders, By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.psychcentral.com/disorders)
How can one spot a possible problem from casual observation?
*A bad mood or grumpiness that persists, lasting longer than a few days
*Withdrawn socially
*Continual anger, irritability or depression
*Dramatic changes in appetite or sudden weight loss or gain
(dualdiagnosis.org)
If you think that you or someone you know has a mental disorder (whether you are sure or not), contact Counseling on Demand. Our therapists and counselors can assess your situation and, in many cases, set your mind at ease. Whether your situation is transitory, somewhat persistent or long term, we are here for you.
Talk therapy is not just talk. It is the relationship that heals.
We are online at CounselingOnDemand.com where we can talk in privacy, away from prying eyes.
We are only a click away.
