Understanding Mental Illness
The most commonly diagnosed mental illness is Anxiety. An experienced LDS counselor knows that some people do not have full-blown panic attacks or phobias, but suffer from a constantly high level of generalized or “free-floating” anxiety.
Researchers have found that anxiety disorders often involve a biological predisposition. As with other mental disorders, however, being biologically predisposed to an anxiety disorder does not mean that a person will necessarily develop that disorder.
For many, anxiety disorder may be triggered by a stressful or traumatic event. Fortunately, help is available for anxiety disorders. Several medications are quite helpful in treating panic attacks and flee-floating anxiety. Behavior therapy can be quite effective in maintaining lasting changes and in dealing with specific phobias.
It is important to understand that mental illness does not “just go away” and often requires professional help. Some signs of mental illness include:
-
Prolonged or severe depression.
-
Undue, continuing anxiety and worry.
-
Tension-caused physical problems.
-
Withdrawal from society; isolation .
-
Confused or disordered thinking.
-
Hallucinations or delusions.
-
Unjustified fears.
-
Obsessions or compulsions.
-
Inappropriate emotions.
-
Substantial, rapid weight gain or loss.
-
Excessive self-centeredness .
-
Loss of touch with reality.
-
Inability to maintain good interpersonal relationships.
-
Inability to cope with or overcome problems in school, at work, or at home.
-
Inability to manage everyday routines and responsibilities in school, at work, or at home.
-
Inability to take care of one’s personal needs.
-
Extremely immature behavior.
-
Negative self-image and outlook.
-
Too much or too little sleep.
If you or a loved one is exhibiting these signs contact an LDS counselor. At Insight Child and Family counseling we can help sift through the symptoms and get to the bottom of what is triggering your anxiety. Call us at 972-426-9500 or visit our website for more information.