Various forms of mental illness affect millions of Americans on an annual basis. Whether we’re referring to depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, untreated mental illnesses can cause lasting problems. Learn about five of the most common types of mental illness below.
5 Common Types of Mental Illness
Experts believe there are over 200 types of mental illness. However, these five are some of the most common:
Depressive Disorders
Depressive disorders go way beyond the normal sadness we all feel when we experience frustration, loss, or trauma. People experiencing depressive disorders have extreme, ongoing feelings of sadness that interfere with their daily functioning.
Anxiety Disorders
Although it’s normal to experience a degree of anxiety during certain situations, anxiety disorders are more extreme. An individual affected by these conditions may feel ongoing anxiety that prevents them from performing basic daily tasks.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders include conditions that affect how people interact with other people and the world at large. People experiencing these conditions can have difficulty maintaining proper relationships in both a personal and professional manner.
Schizophrenia
Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia create bothersome symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. People suffering from these conditions can lose touch with reality and process sensory information differently than others.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can also have devastating effects on a person’s daily life. Individuals who struggle with this condition face periods of extreme highs and lows, making it difficult to maintain a stable lifestyle.
How to Help Loved Ones with Various Types of Mental Illness
When dealing with different types of mental illness, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of a problem. Once you’re able to identify the issue, there are many options for seeking appropriate therapeutic health and counseling services. Obviously, different conditions will have different signs and symptoms. For example, people with depressive disorders often display ongoing sadness and isolation, while those with anxiety disorders may become so nervous that they don’t even want to leave their home. No matter what condition a person may be dealing with, it’s time to seek help when the disorder begins to impact daily functioning.
Showing Continual Support for a Loved One
If you’re watching a loved one endure the effects of one of the types of mental illness mentioned above, you’re not alone. Many Houston behavioral health services exist to help provide relief from these serious conditions. Encourage your loved one to seek appropriate professional therapy at a clinic that truly cares about his long-term success.
About PACE Houston
PACE Mental Health Houston is a quality mental health therapy clinic in Houston, Texas that specializes in treating all psychiatric disorders. The professional team at PACE is dedicated to the personalized therapy of mental illness using in-depth evaluations and targeted therapeutic plans.
You don’t have to let a mental illness affect your quality of life. You can overcome these issues by seeking professional therapy. Call 866.971.8423 to learn more about PACE Houston.
