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Mental Health, Illness and addiction

Mental illness presents when someone displays mild to severe disturbances in their thoughts or behaviors. These disturbances often result or present themselves as an inability to cope with life’s daily routines and circumstances.

There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness; the more common types are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. All mental health disorders have symptoms that may include changes in moods, personality, habits and social behaviors.

Mental health disorders are often co-occurring disorders that can be present during environmental stresses, trauma, and diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and substance use disorders. Mental illnesses are often physical and not just emotional and psychological. Causes of mental illness may be trauma, genetics, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these.

Treatment for mental health disorders is essential. It’s common at first for someone to be in denial of the symptoms of mental illness due to the stigma associated with it, or because of the fear of addressing the cause of the mental illness. Accepting that these feelings and behaviors are normal in others who may have experienced similar circumstances is an essential first step.

Seeking counseling and therapy is crucial to the long-term success of treating mental health disorders. It is in these settings that one can develop a system of support through a mental health professional and among their family and peers through family and group therapy. The stigma often associated with mental illness is often best served when someone knows they are not alone in fighting their mental battle.

If you or someone you love is displaying a sign of a mental health disorder, talk to someone today and begin a pathway of healing. We can help you or your loved ones on your recovery journey. You can start today on your pathway to a healthier life.