Mental health disorders are very common in the entire world, much more than one might assume. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health disorder in a given year. While it’s important to remember that mental health disorders affect people of all ages, genders, and walks of life, there are some disorders that are more common than others. In this blog post, we will discuss seven of the most common mental health disorders in America.
The most common mental health issue people face
Mental health has always seemed to be in the shadow of physical health. However, in the past couple of years, it has started to come into the light more with the help of celebrities and other public figures speaking out about their struggles. It’s now being seen as the important issue that it is. Moreover, because of this, finding treatment for a mental health condition of any sort stopped being so “shameful” and more people are now opening up about it. In fact, according to some recent studies, approximately every one in five adults in the US has some sort of mental health issue. By breaking the stigma, people are more willing to seek out the help they need and get proper treatment. We cannot attribute mental health issues to a single cause, or experience. It is often a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of a disorder. For example, if someone has a parent or grandparent with depression, they may be more likely to experience it themselves. Or, if someone experiences trauma or abuse, that can also lead to the development of a mental health disorder. It’s important to remember that anyone can develop a mental health disorder, regardless of age, gender, or background.
The services offered by Heal Behavioral Health encompass evidence-based therapies, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate support, providing comprehensive care for individuals facing mental health challenges.
1. Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder, affecting 40 million adults in the United States, or 18.% of the population. Anxiety disorders can manifest in a variety of ways, including panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, and general anxiety. Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include feeling restless or irritable, having difficulty concentrating, feeling like your mind is going blank, and experiencing muscle tension. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional.
2. Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects approximately 16.% of adults in the United States, or around 37 million people. Depression is more than just feeling sad or down; it’s a persistent feeling of hopelessness and despair that can interfere with your ability to go about your daily life. Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional. Depression can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, stressful life events, and medical conditions. Depression is often treated with a combination of medication and therapy.
3. Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that affects approximately six million adults in the United States, or around two percent of the population. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of depression and mania, or high energy and elation. Symptoms of bipolar disorder may include changes in sleep patterns, fatigue, a hard time concentrating, irritability or sensitiveness, and impulsive or risky behavior. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, you should aim to turn to a mental health professional for further assistance. Bipolar disorder is often treated with medication and therapy.
4. ADHD
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a mental health disorder that affects approximately six million children in the United States, or around nine percent of the population. ADHD is a mental health disorder that makes it harder for people to focus, as well as remain calm. It also makes the person more impulsive and hyper. Symptoms of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, fidgeting or squirming, talking excessively, and difficulty waiting your turn. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional. ADHD is often treated with medication and therapy. However, if you live in Malibu, you may even consider luxury Malibu treatment centers that offer specialized programs for individuals with ADHD. Besides medication and therapy, these centers also offer a calming and supportive environment for individuals with ADHD to thrive in.
5. Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects approximately one percent of the population, or around two million adults in the United States. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that is often accompanied by disorderly thinking, frequent hallucinations, as well as delusions. Symptoms of schizophrenia may include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, paranoia, and having difficulty concentrating or organizing thoughts. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional. Schizophrenia is often treated with medication and therapy.
6. Eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental health disorders, although they might not seem like it, that can affect people of all ages but are most common in adolescence and young adulthood. Eating disorders are characterized by an obsession with food, weight, and body image. Moreover, there are several types of eating disorders that exist. Symptoms of eating disorders may include changes in eating habits, preoccupation with food or weight, extreme dieting or exercise, as well as having thoughts of suicide. Experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis should invoke you to speak to a mental health professional. Eating disorders are often treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and nutrition counseling. They are serious disorders that can lead to death if left untreated, either way they go.
7. Substance abuse disorders
Substance abuse disorders are mental health disorders characterized by an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of substance abuse disorders may include changes in mood, behavior, and appearance, as well as problems at work or school. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional. Substance abuse disorders are often treated with a combination of medication, therapy, and 12-step programs. Furthermore, this form of mental health disorder can have severe consequences and sometimes lead to death. Turning to substances to cope with mental health disorders is not the answer and only exacerbates the problem.
Mental health disorders are real, serious, and treatable. There is no shame in seeking help and there is hope for recovery. This concludes our list of the top seven common mental health disorders. These mental health disorders are fairly common in the society we live in and the question now is, are you struggling with any of them? If so, please get help. Don’t suffer in silence. There are people who care and want to help you get better.
