Everyone is at risk of developing mental health disorders, whether we like it or not. There are mental disorders that we can control and manage, some can be blamed on how our body works, while some are triggered by external factors. Let us discover how important mental health management is, and know the basics of common mental health disorders.

Mental health

The way our brain works is an integral part of our general health. Mental health is different from cognitive or neurological health. While the latter focuses on how the brain functions, the former is a condition of wellness in which a person understands and appreciates his own ability, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively, and is able to be involved in developing his or her community.

Mental health disorders

Because every one of us encounters stressors that may trigger a mental illness, it is appropriate that we become familiar with what different kinds of mental health disorders we can develop as we sojourn in this lifetime. Most of us will experience devastating or challenging situations and circumstances that would test our ability to cope and adapt. Others will be successful in their ways to move forward, but some succumb to the negativity and develop mental disorders. Here are some of the common mental health disorders, their types, and how they usually develop in a person.

Anxiety disorders

People with anxiety disorders react to certain objects or situations with obvious fear, tension, and alarm.  Some may be mild and can easily be alleviated with deep breathing exercises or diversion, but moderate to severe cases show physical signs of extreme nervousness or panic, which include rapid heartbeat(palpitations), agitation, disorientation, and profuse sweating.  If the symptoms are not addressed, anxious patients can develop more serious symptoms like getting nightmares, obsession, panic attacks, hysteria, and uncontrollable and intense fears.

An anxiety disorder cannot be determined by using a single test alone. It is a process that involves several consultations and assessments to determine the level of anxiety and the cause of this mental health disorder. If the patient’s response is not appropriate for the situation, cannot control the said response, or if the anxiety interferes with normal functioning, doctors can determine that he or she may have developed a type of anxiety disorder.

Types of anxiety disorders

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Phobias
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Mood disorders

Also called affective disorders, these mood disorders involve unexplainable extremes of emotions in different or unrelated situations in life. A person may feel persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy that fluctuate uncontrollably and disparately. A mood disorder is diagnosed when sadness or euphoria is overly intense, goes together with other distinctive symptoms, and messes up the person’s ability to function properly, physically, mentally, and socially, at home or at work.

Types of mood disorders:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Cyclothymic disorder

Psychotic disorders

Psychotic disorders involve unclear and unreasonable awareness, perception, or thinking of a person, object, or situation. This mental health disorder causes significant changes and disruption in both the cognitive and emotional functions of the patient. Two of the usual and distinct symptoms of psychotic disorders are hallucinations and delusions. Hallucination is the experience of images or sounds that are not real. Delusions, on the other hand, is a wrong but fixed belief that a person perceives as true even if reality negates it. The common psychotic disorder that we know is schizophrenia

Eating disorders

We know that mental health disorders may be triggered by outside forces and stressors. Of all the mental health illnesses in this list, eating disorders may be the best example of a response to a physical stressor that caused psychological distress. An eating disorder involves intense emotions, outlook, and actions concerning the connection between weight and food. A normally healthy person who gets rejected or feels discriminated against because of his or her weight can be possible candidates for patients who will develop an eating disorder.

Types of eating disorders

• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder

Impulse control and addiction disorders

People with impulse control disorders are unable to resist an urge or sudden impulse to carry out steps or actions that could be detrimental to themselves or to others. People with this type of mental health disorder may or may not map out their actions ahead of time; but they, in general, fulfill and satisfy their immediate, conscious urges or wishes, no matter the cost. Most people, though, find their disorders highly distressing and feel a loss of control over their lives. This is a good explanation of how people turn to drug or alcohol addiction. Patients want to feel an instant surge of gratification or satisfaction and turn to any object or action that would give them that spontaneously and immediately.

Examples of Impulse control disorders:

• Pyromania (starting fires)
• Kleptomania (stealing)
• Paraphilia (abnormal sexual desires)
• Substance addiction

Personality disorders

As we all know, everyone has their own traits and characteristics, as well as the attitudes towards other people and situations, and these all make up your personality. We have different ones, but those with unbendable and inadaptable perceptions and actions toward a certain object, person, or situation may be diagnosed to have a personality disorder. People with personality disorders have extreme and stubborn personality and qualities that are upsetting or difficult for the person himself, and for the people around him. Causing problems in their work, school, or social relationships. Moreover, the person’s way of thinking, conduct, and manners considerably differ from what society expects. Their thoughts and demands are so uptight and rigid that they get in the way of their own normal functioning.

Types of personality disorders

• Antisocial personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Paranoid personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder

These are just some of the many other kinds and characteristics of mental health disorders. Some of them may be a combination of two or more types of mental illnesses. The problem with having an undetected or unresolved mental health disorder is that it can disrupt your life, sometimes, in the worst possible way. Suicide, addiction, and isolation may be the effects of mental health disorders, so it is advisable that people who have experienced any two or more symptoms that are related to their mental stability should consult a medical professional so that immediate assessment and diagnosis may be performed.