Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Understanding Mental Illness
• Part 2 of 3: Seeking Professional Help
• Part 3 of 3: Coping with mental illness
• Tips
• Warnings

While many people think mental illness is rare, it is actually not. About 54 million Americans experience mental health problems or illnesses each year. Mental health disorders affect 1 in 4 people worldwide at some point in their lives. Many of these diseases are treatable with drugs, psychotherapy, but if left unattended, they can easily get out of control. If you think you may be experiencing signs of a mental disorder, seek help from a qualified professional as soon as possible.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Understanding Mental Illness

1. 1 Understand that mental illness is not your fault. Society often condemns mental illness and those who suffer from it, and it is easy to believe that the cause of your problem is that you are worthless or not exerting enough effort. It is not true. If you have a mental illness, it is the result of a medical condition, not personal failure or anything else. An experienced healthcare provider or mental health professional should never make you feel like you are at fault for your condition. Neither others, nor yourself are to blame.
2. 2 Consider possible biological risk factors. There is no single cause of mental illness, but there are many biological factors that are known to interfere with brain chemistry and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
   • Genetic predisposition. Some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, are deeply related to genetics.If someone in your family has been diagnosed with mental illness, then you may be more susceptible to developing it, simply due to the genetic makeup.
   • Physiological disorder... Injury, such as serious head injury, or exposure to viruses, bacteria, or toxins during fetal development can lead to mental illness. Also, illegal drug and / or alcohol abuse can cause or worsen mental illness.
   • Chronic diseases. Chronic illnesses such as cancer or other long-term illnesses increase the risk of developing mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
3. 3 Understanding the possible risk factors of the environment. Some mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, are directly related to your personal environment and feelings of well-being. Shocks and lack of stability can cause or worsen mental illness.
   • Difficult life experiences... Extremely emotional and disturbing life situations can cause mental illness in a person. They may concentrate at a moment, such as the loss of a loved one, or drag on, for example, with a history of sexual or physical abuse. Participation in hostilities or as part of an emergency brigade can also contribute to the development of mental illness.
   • Stress... Stress can exacerbate an existing mental disorder and lead to mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. Family quarrels, financial difficulties and problems at work can all be sources of stress.
   • Loneliness... Lack of reliable connections for support, enough friends, and lack of healthy communication contribute to the onset or worsening of a mental disorder.
4. 4 How to identify warning signs and symptoms. Some mental illnesses start at birth, but others show up over time or rather suddenly. The following are symptoms that can be warning signs of mental illness:
   • Feeling sad or irritable
   • Confusion or disorientation
   • Feelings of apathy or lack of interest
   • Increased anxiety and anger / hostility / cruelty
   • Feelings of fear / paranoia
   • Inability to control emotions
   • Concentration difficulties
   • Difficulty in taking responsibility
   • Seclusion or social exclusion
   • Sleep problems
   • Illusions and / or hallucinations
   • Strange, bombastic or unrealistic ideas
   • Alcohol or drug abuse
   • Significant changes in eating habits or sex drive
   • Suicidal thoughts or plans
5. 5 Identifying physical warning signs and symptoms. Sometimes physical signs can serve as warning signs of mental illness. If you develop symptoms that persist, seek medical attention. Warning symptoms include:
   • Fatigue
   • Back and / or chest pain
   • Heart palpitations
   • Dry mouth
   • Digestive problems
   • Headaches
   • Excessive sweating
   • Significant changes in body weight
   • Dizziness
   • Serious sleep disturbances
6. 6 Determine how severe your symptoms are. Many of these symptoms appear in response to everyday events and therefore do not necessarily indicate that you are mentally ill. You should have reason to worry if they persist and, more importantly, if they negatively affect your daily life functionality. Never be afraid to seek medical attention.

Part 2 of 3: Seeking Professional Help

1. 1 Consider the types of help available. There are many qualified mental health professionals, and while their roles often overlap, each area has its own characteristics.
   • Psychiatrists are doctors who have completed their psychiatric residency. They are the most qualified psychologists and generally best able to help you manage your prescription drugs. They are also trained in the diagnosis of mental illnesses, including severe ones such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
   • Clinical psychologists hold PhDs in psychology. Typically, they completed residency or internships in mental health facilities. They can diagnose mental illness, apply psychological tests, and provide psychotherapy. Unless they have a special license, they usually cannot write appointments.
   • Psychiatric nurses of the highest qualifications hold at least a master's degree and have a specialized education in psychiatry. They can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medications. In some cases, they can also provide psychotherapy. Depending on the state where you live, they are required to be paired with a psychiatrist.
   • Social workers have at least a master's degree in social affairs. Chartered social workers undergo internship or residency in mental health institutions and training in psychological counseling. They can heal, but they cannot prescribe drugs. They are usually very familiar with community support systems and resources.
   • Counselors have a degree in counseling and are usually trained in mental health facilities. They tend to specialize in specific mental health problems such as addiction and drug abuse, although they can provide counseling services on many mental health issues. They cannot prescribe medications, and in many states they are also not eligible to diagnose mental illness.
   • Physicians usually do not receive extensive training in psychiatry, but they can prescribe drugs and can also help you manage your health in a holistic manner.
2. 2 See your doctor. Mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression are often effectively treated with medications that your healthcare provider may prescribe for you. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and share any concerns you are experiencing.
   • Your doctor can refer you to a qualified mental health professional in your area.
   • A formal psychiatric diagnosis is necessary for people to seek support from mental health services and to ensure that you are protected by the Persons with Disabilities Act.
3. 3 Contact your insurance company. If you live in the United States, you are likely to pay for health insurance. Call your insurance company and ask for the contact information of the mental health professionals in your area who can see you through your insurance program.
   • Be sure to check all the special conditions of your insurance program. For example, you may need to get a referral to a psychiatrist from your doctor, or there may be a limit on the number of therapy sessions.
   • If you don't have health insurance, find a local mental health center in your area. These centers can often provide free or low-cost treatment to low-income or uninsured people. Some large universities and medical schools also have inexpensive clinics.
4. 4 Make an appointment. Depending on your area, you may have to wait a few days to several months to see a psychiatrist, so make an appointment as soon as possible. Ask to put you on a waiting list, if available, so you can get to your appointment early.
   • If you have thoughts or plans to commit suicide, seek help immediately. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Line, which is available 24/7, free of charge. Alternatively, you can contact the emergency services by dialing 911 (or your local number).
5. 5 Ask questions. You shouldn't hesitate to ask your psychiatrist questions. If you do not understand something, or want to clarify, ask. You should also ask about possible treatment options, such as the type and duration of therapy, and what medications may be needed.
   • You should also ask your doctor what you can do to help the process. While you cannot treat mental illness on your own, there are things you can do to help improve your mental health. Discuss this with your healthcare provider.
6. 6 Consider your relationship with your doctor. In your relationship, you need to feel safe, friendly, and comfortable. On your first visit, you are likely to feel very defenseless. The doctor may ask you uncomfortable questions or ask you to think about unpleasant problems, but he / she should still make you feel safe, appreciated and friendly.
   • If you don't feel comfortable after a few sessions, you can move on. Remember, you may have to deal with him for a long time, so your doctor must fully take your side.

Part 3 of 3: Coping with mental illness

1. 1 Never judge yourself. People with mental illness, especially those with depression or anxiety, for example, tend to feel as if they should be able to just "get out of the habit." However, just as you do not expect yourself to "get rid" of diabetes or heart disease, you should not judge yourself because you are coping with mental illness.
2. 2 Make connections for support. It is important for everyone, especially those dealing with mental illness, to have friends who accept and support them. For starters, this can be friends and family. In addition, there are many support groups. Find a support group in your area or online.
   • You can start with the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI). It has a help and support resource directory.
3. 3 Consider meditation or nurturing self-awareness. While meditation cannot be used as a substitute for expert help and / or medication, it can help manage the symptoms of certain mental illnesses, especially those associated with addiction and drug use or anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation emphasize the importance of acceptance and presence, which can help relieve stress.
   • It will be helpful to see a qualified meditation or mindfulness therapist first, and then continue on your own.
   • For tips on teaching meditation techniques, visit the NAMI, Mayo Clinic, and howtomeditate.org.
4. 4 Keep a diary. Keeping a journal of your thoughts and experiences can help you in many ways. By writing down negative thoughts or worries, you can stop focusing on them. Tracking the underlying causes of certain experiences or symptoms can help your treating psychiatrist provide you with optimal treatment. It also allows you to explore your emotions in a safe way.
5. 5 Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Although diet and exercise cannot prevent mental illness, they can help control your symptoms.For severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, it is especially important to stay on a regular schedule and get enough sleep.
   • If you have an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or overeating, you may need to be especially careful with your diet and exercise regimen. Check with a healthcare professional to make sure you are eating a healthy diet.
6. 6 Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a depressant and has a significant impact on your sense of well-being. If you are faced with such a disease as depression or drug abuse, then you should completely give up alcohol. If you do consume alcohol, drink in moderation, usually 2 glasses of wine, 2 beers or 2 glasses of spirits per day for women and 3 for men.
   • Alcohol should not be consumed at all while you are taking certain medications. Talk to your prescriber about how to treat your medications.

Tips

• If you can, ask a trusted friend or family member to accompany you on your first visit. They can help calm your nerves and support you.
• With the help of trained professionals, your treatment and lifestyle choices must be based on scientific and medical evidence. Many home remedies for mental illness help little or no relief, and some may actually make them worse.
• Society often condemns the mentally ill. If you are uncomfortable with sharing information about your mental illness with someone, don't do it. Find people who will support you, accept you and take care of you.
• If you have a friend or loved one with a mental illness, don't judge them or try to say, "just try." Offer him your love, sympathy, and support.

Warnings

• Without proper treatment, many mental illnesses can worsen. Get help as soon as possible.
• If you have thoughts or plans to commit suicide, seek help immediately.
• Never try to treat a mental illness without seeking professional help. Otherwise, the patient's condition may worsen and cause serious harm to you and others.