MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS

Kinds of Mental Health Problems Everyone has problems from time to time. Most people overcome their problems and are able to function well at home, school, and work. About one person in five cannot cope, however. Such people need treatment in order to regain their mental health. Early identification and treatment can prevent long- term disability.

The three most common types mental health problems are anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders.

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorder, a condition in which intense anxiety or fear keeps a person from functioning normally.

Personality Disorders Personality disorders include a variety of psychological conditions that affect a person’s ability to get along with others. These disorders affect their thinking, moods, personal relationships, and control urges. One of the serious personality disorders is schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder in which people lose contact with reality. They may experience hallucinations in which they see or hear things that are not actually there.

Mood disorders People who feel sad when life is good, or happy for no apparent reason, may suffer from a mood disorder. A mood disorder is a disorder in which a person undergoes changes in mood that seem inappropriate or extreme. Teen depression is when teens become depressed because they feel isolated from their peers.

Clinical depression, also known as major depression, is much more serious. Clinical depression is a mood disorder in which people lose interest in life and can no longer find enjoyment in anything. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that every year about 5 percent of teens experience clinical depression. Some depressed teens abuse alcohol, other drugs, or both.

Suicide Suicide, or intentionally killing oneself, is a serious problem in the United States, especially among teens. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people. Every day, 14 young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years take their own lives.

Warning Signs of Suicide Most people who commit suicide talk about it beforehand. Anyone who talks about suicide should be taken seriously. Tell a trust adult immediately. People who are thinking about suicide may show signs of depression at first. Once they decide to end their lives, they may feel better because they think that they have solved their problems. They may give away valued possessions.

Other Warning Signs Lack of energy. Withdrawal from friends and family. No longer taking interest in favorite activities. No longer taking interest in personal appearance. Taking unnecessary risks. Expressing suicide thoughts or talking a lot about death.