Caring for the mental health of your loved ones
Caring for the mental health of your loved ones
Mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the population each year, with 19% of adults, 46% of teenagers, and 13% of children experiencing these challenges. It's important to recognize that individuals dealing with mental health issues may be closer to you than you realize.
Mental illness is a broad term encompassing conditions that impact a person's mood, thoughts, and behaviour, often hindering their ability to interact with others and function in their daily lives.
Typical mental health disorders include:
- Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder.
- Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
- Anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various phobias.
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent, affecting around 48 million people in the U.S. annually (19.1%), followed by mood disorders (9.7%).
Symptoms of mental illness vary depending on the specific condition but may include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Restlessness
- Changes in appetite
- Social withdrawal
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive worry and fear
- Self-harming behaviours
The signs and symptoms of mental health issues can sometimes be mistaken for other problems like stress, fatigue, or typical teenage hormonal changes. Therefore, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on your loved ones and engage in open conversations if you suspect they are grappling with mental health challenges.