Mental illness does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, geography, social status, income level, or religion/ spirituality. Mental illness has higher reported rates in young adult women (ages 18 to 25) and those who are multiracial. Generally, by the age of 24, 75% of all mental illness conditions have presented themselves. As scientists, researchers, and doctors expand on their understanding of the human brain, our concept of mental illness shifts. It is essential that our social and personal responses to mental illness also shift with the current research. Following are the most common signs and symptoms of mental illness: 4 ● Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks. ● Trying to harm or end one’s life or making plans to do so. ● Severe out-of-control risk-taking behavior that causes harm to self or others. ● Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart, physical discomfort, or difficulty breathing. ● Significant weight loss or gain. ● Seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real. ● Excessive use of alcohol or drugs. ● Drastic changes in mood, behavior, personality, or sleeping habits. ● Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still. ● Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are impaired, it can lead to mental illnesses. Many of these mental illnesses present themselves as various emotional disorders such as depression. Adjusting the neurotransmitters either through medications or other medical procedures can help the neurotransmitter pathways run smoother and more efficiently. Genetics, the study of heredity, is another biological factor that contributes to mental illness. Genetics influence how inherited traits can be different from person to person. Inherited traits are passed down from parent to offspring according to the Mendelian rules of genetics. It was previously believed that most traits were determined solely by genes, but now it is believed that these traits are influenced by both genes and the environment. This is because certain genes may lay dormant until triggered by a life situation. Once triggered, the gene is expressed. This biological reason helps to explain why mental illness is more common in people who have blood relatives with a mental illness. But in this theory, there are many different genes, not just one, that contribute to triggering mental illness. The environment and experiences of each person is unique; therefore, the expression or dormancy of the genes will also be unique. Genetics combined with a trigger (stress, abuse, traumatic event) creates a higher likelihood of developing a mental illness because the genetic component makes one more susceptible to its expression.
Mental health is an integral and essential component of health. Our mental health is a foundation for learning communication, resilience, and self-esteem. It is a key factor in developing relationships both interpersonally and with the larger community. When our foundation is cracked or distressed, it can lead to a mental illness. Mental illness is a medical condition, just like high blood pressure or diabetes. And just like those physical conditions, mental illness is treatable through various traditional and alternative treatments. In many cases, the symptoms of various mental illnesses can be managed with medication, talk therapy (psychotherapy or counseling), or a combination of the two. Symptoms of mental illness Mental illness can be difficult to diagnose; it is not as simple as other medical conditions. There is no straightforward test to check for the prevalence or occurrence of mental illness. Each condition presents its own set of unique symptoms. What makes it even more difficult is that many of the symptoms and conditions overlap as well as change over time. Mental illness can take many different forms with signs and symptoms that are mild, moderate, or severe. Another challenging component of diagnosing mental illness is that some of the symptoms may be acceptable in some cultures and social groups but not acceptable in other groups. For example, hearing voices is most often considered outside of the standard experience; however, in some religious groups, hearing a voice may interpreted as an important part of connecting with the divine. Causes of mental illness The exact cause of most mental illnesses is not fully understood within the scientific framework. Multiple factors all play a role in the development of mental illness, including genetics, social influences, family background, traumatic experiences, and stress levels. The nature of one’s resilience, which is extremely difficult to quantify, plays a part in mental illness as well. There are three main categories of mental illness causes: 1. Biological. Biological causes of mental health pertain to genetics as well as to exposure to prenatal stressors. Some mental illnesses have been linked to abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways. Nerve cells fire impulses by releasing neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry, boost, and balance signals between nerve cells and other cells in the body. The nerve cells communicate using neurotransmitters to relay messages. These messages travel between cells and attach to specific receptors on the target cell. Every neurotransmitter attaches to a different receptor when delivering a message to the target cell. Upon attaching, the target cell is triggered into action. Once the message is delivered and the action occurs, the neurotransmitter is broken down and recycled by the body. If the pathways for neurotransmitters are impaired, then certain regions of the brain are unable to communicate in the typical fashion. 2. Psychological. 3. Environmental. Biological
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