The Patient's Voice

The Voice for Patients and Families About Health Care

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Leslie Brewer

Asthma And Stress: It’s Relationship, Cause, And Effect

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Unlike other respiratory conditions, asthma may often be managed so airflow is normal. However, it might suddenly flare up when someone becomes subjected to triggering factors. Although everyone’s common causes of asthma differ, they may include allergic reactions from air fresheners, dust, mold, cigarette, or fire smoke. It can also come from illnesses like the flu or cold.

 

Breathing problems are caused by asthma. Lung inflammation occurs mostly due to prolonged exposure to an irritant or “trigger.” Breathing becomes problematic when that occurs because the airways become narrow. This causes symptoms such as fatigue, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing. Additionally, mucus accumulation in the airways due to inflammation may result in a respiratory emergency.

Strong Emotions Triggers The Condition

Severe emotions are well-known asthma triggers. There has been proof of a connection between mental well-being and asthma. However, the results are not always consistent. It could be linked to poor asthma management.

If someone already has asthma, experiencing and expressing intense emotions can worsen the symptoms they have. Even in those without asthma symptoms, there is a shift in breathing patterns when they experience overwhelming feelings. This is because the emotional aspect triggers asthmatic symptoms by breathing shifts under powerful emotional events such as anger, fear, excitement, laughter, crying, and yelling.

The Relationship Between Asthma and Anxiety

Anxiety and asthma are linked conditions. There may be an ongoing cycle in the relationship. Breathing becomes difficult during an asthma episode, which makes a person anxious. The reciprocal effect of increased stress hormones brought on by anxiety then contributes to the effects of asthma.

However, there may be a different association between stress and asthma. Stress-induced asthma is a condition in which symptoms of asthma that have previously existed are made worse or triggered by stress. The biochemical consequences of stress on the body can be the root cause of asthma. That is to say, when someone is tense, their body produces more stress hormones, which complicates their asthma symptoms.

 

Because stress occupies the psychological system, it can also substantially raise the likelihood or intensity of an asthma flare-up.

One can overlook taking convenient asthma medicine on schedule. Additionally, one might not be as concerned about avoiding triggers like allergies, aerosols, or scented products.

Individuals who experience prolonged or intense stress are more likely to experience episodes of asthma or require hospitalization due to respiratory complications. As a result, the condition feels more difficult to control. They are more likely to react to their typical asthma triggers, such as viral infections and respiratory illnesses, or to experience more severe symptoms.

Also, it may be more difficult for some people to maintain their medication regimen if they drink or smoke excessively.

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Understanding Stress

Sometimes, stress is beneficial. A little bit can give them the energy to move forward or feel motivated. It can help individuals finish first in a race, avoid danger, or effectively perform in their work or school. However, there are instances when people experience excessive stress or feel under greater pressure than they can handle.

People are more likely to respond emotionally to stressful events by experiencing worsening asthma symptoms if they believe the event is unreasonable for them to cope with or if they perceive themselves to be endangered by it. It could be a brief stressful situation or something intense. It can also be an ongoing or chronic stress brought on by long-term challenges in life. Many different factors might cause someone to feel stressed, including relationships, employment, health issues, and financial difficulties. Food and sleep issues might exacerbate the issue as well.

How To Know If Stress Is Triggering Asthma Symptoms?

Acknowledging that one is under stress is the first approach. People may fail to notice the warning indications. When stressed, they may feel more agitated, worn out, and anxious than normal. They may struggle to make decisions, get agitated, or experience emotional distress. Those experiencing asthma symptoms should speak with close friends or family members, as they may detect indicators of asthma-related.

Realizing that stress can exacerbate asthma is the second step. Individuals with chronic asthma experience difficulties more frequently. People occasionally fail to link the symptoms of asthma to stressful situations. Therefore, consulting a mental health specialist for a diagnosis would be ideal. From there, individuals can inquire about the reasons behind the negative effects that their mental health conditions, especially stress and asthma, are having on their general quality of life. These experts can help manage asthma effectively, even under elevated stress. For instance, doctors may advise individuals to utilize more of their asthma medications for a while to maintain asthma stability during stressful periods.

They can also focus on enhancing psychological wellness or offer self-help solutions.

Those with asthma can consider maintaining a diary to discover if stress is contributing to their manifestations. Along with any asthma symptoms, they might list the causes of their stress. It helps these people monitor their combined physical and mental health issues.

People may begin to see patterns. For instance, people who have asthma tend to have worse symptoms when they relocate to a new place, race through a project at work, take an exam, give a speech in public, or when they are facing other stressful circumstances. Individuals ought to make an effort to determine whether their signs and symptoms were brought on by extreme mental issues typical of stressful situations. They should then reduce the amount of anxiety in their lives.

How to Manage Stress With Asthma

Stress is an inevitable part of life, with or without asthma. Therefore, if you have the disease, learning efficient stress management techniques is critical. Breathing difficulties and asthma attacks can be avoided by developing the ability to de-stress before they arise.

Pay Attention To Your Thoughts – Discover how to alter stressful mind patterns. How you feel and how effectively you handle increasing stress levels are frequently determined by your thoughts, how you think, what you envision, and what you tell yourself.

Cut Down On Your Stress – Determine the main sources of stress in your daily life, such as unmet deadlines, interpersonal issues, grief, and financial difficulties. Seek expert assistance if resolving these concerns on your own isn’t possible.

Stay Away From Tense Situations – Aim to stay away from stressful circumstances. Develop efficient time-management techniques, such as identifying priorities, pacing oneself, delegating when necessary, and taking breaks for yourself.

Engage In Daily Exercise – Get moving. In addition to keeping your body healthy, exercising when you have asthma is a great method to burn off the long-term effects of stress.

Consume A Balanced Diet – You may feel lethargic and lack energy if you consume junk food and processed sweets, which are heavy in calories and low in nutrition. Reducing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake can improve health and lessen stress.

Get A Lot of Rest – Like any chronic illness, asthma requires a lot of sleep. You won’t have as much energy or resources to deal with stress if you have asthma at night or have trouble sleeping. Establishing healthy sleeping habits is crucial, so go to bed when you’re tired. You have to create and adhere to certain sleep routines. Avoid reading, eating, or watching TV in bed if you have difficulties falling asleep. Avoid physical exertion or exercise in the hours leading up to bedtime, and steer clear of caffeine. 

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Get A Lot of Rest – Like any chronic illness, asthma requires a lot of sleep. You won’t have as much energy or resources to deal with stress if you have asthma at night or have trouble sleeping. Healthy sleeping habits are crucial, so go to bed when you’re tired. You have to create and adhere to certain sleep routines. Avoid reading, eating, or watching TV in bed if you have difficulties falling asleep. Avoid physical exertion or exercise in the hours leading up to bedtime, and steer clear of caffeine. 

Delegate Responsibility – An excessive amount of responsibilities frequently leads to stress. Delegating tasks can help you reduce stress and free up time. Adopt a collaborative mindset and encourage everyone to share the workload. List the different kinds of duties. Give someone time to learn how to perform the job or certain tasks. Assign responsibilities to a certain individual and provide precise directions with due dates. Be grateful and express your satisfaction with a job well done to others. Let people do tasks in their own unique ways. 

Seek Support – When circumstances are hard, it helps to have the support of friends and family. The most crucial buffer or stress-reduction mechanism is, in reality, social support. When family members or friends inquire about how they can help, you might respond by asking for emotional assistance. If in case you can’t handle the symptoms anymore, try consulting a mental health professional to gain knowledge on how to distress to avoid your asthma attacks.

Final Thoughts

Anxiety and stress can aggravate asthma symptoms. You can lower your chance of experiencing a severe asthma attack or episode brought on by stress by practicing effective stress management. Research indicates that practicing mindful breathing and mindfulness might lower stress levels and improve general health.

 

FAQs

Is asthma caused by stress?
How does anxiety cause asthma?
How does asthma affect emotions?
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How does stress make asthma worse?
How does stress affects the lungs?
How do you manage stress with asthma?
What helps stress-induced asthma?
Can stress and depression cause asthma?
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What are the main causes and triggers of asthma?
Can stress cause asthma in children?
Can anxiety cause breathing problems?
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Relationship Between Acne And Mental Health

 

Acne is a prevalent skin ailment impacting about 10% of the population. Although the condition may affect individuals at various ages, teens and young adults experience it most frequently. The signs and symptoms, which can be minor to severe, are a blockage of the hair follicles, which are tiny pores in the skin. Although most people will have significant acne in their teenagers and early years, the skin problem can also run in families and is linked to heredity.

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Having acne may make daily life very difficult. It can impact every facet of people’s mental well-being, ranging from sadness and social disengagement to anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem. Additionally, if individuals have acne, they are aware that stress exacerbates the condition. It follows that many of them may experience a sense of being stuck, particularly if they have acne that is difficult to treat.

Beyond just the skin, acne can also negatively affect a person’s social life, self-esteem, and mental health. We’ll look at the connections between mental health and acne and offer advice regarding how to end the cycle so that the skin and mind can be healthy.

The Mind-Skin Connection

Research indicates that acne, regardless of its nature or degree of severity, can lead to psychological and emotional distress in its sufferers. This may occasionally be a symptom of or lead to a mental health illness. The fact that there exists a close relationship between the skin and the psychological system won’t surprise anyone. Skin outbreaks are often accompanied by moments of elevated stress, typical health conditions, or burnout, which most people can relate to.

This connects one’s brain to the skin. Additionally, psychodermatology, often known as psychoneurocutaneous medicine, focuses on it. Specialists in skin and psychological wellness treat the mind-skin relationship. They frequently collaborate to address every presenting symptom in moderation in order to achieve the greatest outcomes.

The relationship between the mind and skin extends beyond acne. Any skin disease can impact mental health. As a matter of fact, individuals suffering from long-term skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis may also experience severe psychological and social discomfort. With these, a lower quality of life may be a result.

Breakouts can significantly adversely impact one’s self-esteem and negatively affect interpersonal interactions, which might result in social isolation. According to the experts’ recommendations, doctors should think about referring patients to mental health services when it is suitable, particularly for those who have experienced severe depression, body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm in the past or present.

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Can Stress, Anxiety, And Depression Cause Acne?

While they may worsen acne, depression, stress, and other challenging health or life conditions do not directly cause acne. A patient may have psychological problems in addition to acne if you see that they are “picking,” which is frequently an indication of stress or OCD behaviors. Another indication, especially in people, is when they avert their eyes or droop their heads all the time. Lastly, when there is a significant difference between the amount of acne and the degree of bother it causes them. In the end, it can be concerning if the patient is severely impaired by a few imperfections, even though they are little.

The root cause of acne is clogged skin pores. The reason for this is unknown. However, skin in acne sufferers finds it difficult to shed dead skin cells, and the excess cells accumulate and obstruct skin pores. Acne sufferers also produce excessive amounts of oil. Oil and dead skin cells work together to plug pores in the skin and trap germs inside, which results in pimples.

For those with underlying acne, anxiety, depression, and stress can trigger breakouts of acne. Once more, scientists still don’t fully grasp all of the causes behind this phenomenon. However it is common that breakouts can significantly negatively influence one’s self-esteem and negatively affect interpersonal interactions, which might result in feelings of social exclusion.

Effects of Acne and Acne Scars on Mental Health:

One’s life can be greatly miserable due to acne. Here are a few emotions and problems people experience when they get acne.

Low Self-esteem

People with acne feel self-conscious about their appearance. They become less confident and avoid making eye contact with others. A lack of self-worth is a result of this skin problem, which is why most girls wear a lot of cosmetics to cover up their acne, but it sometimes makes it worse. Boys, on the other hand, cover up their acne by letting their hair grow long. Therefore, it makes sense that those who have acne would wish to conceal it in some way because they feel ashamed about it.

Social Withdrawal

Those who have acne frequently endure negative feedback or hurtful comments from people around them, which undermines their self-esteem. They begin to shy away from social events because they do not want to interact with others. They start to hesitate to form new friendships and relationships because they think their physical characteristics make others dislike them.  

Impact On School

Individuals with acne may not be overly excited to go to school, which can hinder their long-term academic achievement. Their psychological well-being eventually suffers as a result of the increased criticism they receive for their physical appearance. They also remain alone and avoid extracurricular activities. That explains why some individuals avoid athletics, all because they feel self-conscious about wearing sportswear and suffer body acne.

Impact On Work

Adults’ ability to work is also impacted by acne. People who suffer from acne avoid interacting with coworkers and build up a lack of confidence in their abilities at work. Because many employment depend on one’s looks, acne might limit professional options. Those with acne may also experience depression as a result of these disorders.

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Here’s what the evidence says so far:

Stress, anxiety, and depression can increase oil production and possibly hormones that can worsen acne. People experiencing depression may be more likely to give up on their treatment plan, especially When there’s deep scarring involved, which worsens acne and creates physical damage that individuals may consider an imperfection. 

Medication for depression and anxiety can also cause acne.

Note that some medications used for depression and anxiety can cause skin problems and make them worse. If one is taking medication for depression or anxiety, they have to keep in mind that it might affect the healing and recovery process of their acne condition. If symptoms are severe, then seeking the help of a therapist or a counselor can be a significant part of treatment since psychological health gets involved.

How Can I Manage The Emotional Distress Created By Having Acne?

The most crucial thing is to have the right diagnosis before proceeding with the right treatment. When the skin condition is addressed, individuals with acne and emotional problems should expect improvements in these areas. In addition to medical care, some of the most basic forms of therapy that are recommended include breathing exercises and relaxation. These are especially beneficial for treating anxiety symptoms.

Emotional discomfort can also be managed with more structured psychological techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy. People frequently get treatments with mood or anxiety-regulating drugs on an individual basis. Talk about your symptoms with your dermatologist or general practitioner to identify these problems early. Not all depressive symptoms require medication; talking therapy might be helpful as well. You can sometimes self-refer to these groups, but your medical professional is the best person to recommend them.

It is not advisable to postpone mental health assessments or treatment because they may aggravate or cause skin conditions in addition to having a detrimental impact on treatment results. Treating the skin and mental health together is the best course of action.

It’s necessary to make certain lifestyle adjustments.

Now that we know how acne impacts a person’s state of mind and feelings, we can also see hope for recovery. Moreover, treating acne is easier than a lot of individuals believe. If they adopt good skincare practices early on, they can prevent acne from getting worse.

Acne can be managed with a basic skincare regimen that includes an appropriate cleanser, lotion, gentle moisturizer, and pimple cream. Of course, one should remember not to touch their pimples and keep their skin clean.

Keeping hydrated and consuming much water might also aid in skin cleansing.

Get enough rest and make an effort to manage stress by doing some yoga or a little exercise.

To protect oneself from harmful UV radiation, it is essential to wear sunscreen at all times. Maintain a hydrated complexion to fortify the skin barrier.

A medically supervised facial can successfully treat acne, improve healing, and significantly reduce the chance of deep into the skin pitted scars.

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, acne has negative impacts on psychological wellness and has turned into a social stigma. Therefore, instead of criticizing individuals for having acne, we ought to support them and help them get rid of it. If they have this issue, we should reassure them that it is easily treatable and not to give up.

To permanently get rid of acne, it is vital to make an appointment and seek professional assistance if one finds it difficult to manage the condition independently.

 

FAQs

How acne can affect your mental health?
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What are the psychological reasons for pimples?
Can emotions affect acne?
Can emotional stress cause acne?
Does bad mental health affect the skin?
Does mental health affect the face?
Do negative thoughts cause acne?
How does anxiety affect acne?
How can I improve my self-esteem with acne?
Can stress acne be treated?
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Can anxiety and depression cause skin problems?
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Things You Should Never Put In Your Face (Skin Therapy)

I have been struggling with acne ever since I was 14 years old. And to be honest, I always listen to what other people say when it comes to treating the nasty bumps in my face. I engage with these “let’s try it” moments where I do not spend more time validating and figuring out if the product of the procedure is legit. As long as people tell me that it works for them, I immediately dive in.

But since most of these suggestions do not work, I came to seek professional help. I told my skin therapist what I had done so far with my face, and I get that she has tons of reasons to feel upset about those actions. More importantly, I was surprised to know that certain things I thought are effective and assumed good for my face but just are not.

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Bar Soap

The thing with daily skincare is that most people worldwide are used to using bar soap as their facial cleanser. I entirely do not have anything against it because, like others, I also used some of those from cheap to expensive ones. But after reaching out to a skincare expert, I realized that I have been taking care of my facial skin the wrong way this entire time. Bar soap, as convenient as it can be, causes too much damage to the face. That is because it contains a lathering substance called sodium lauryl sulfate that dries out the skin. Admittedly, I love slathering my face because it feels so good. Unfortunately, that lathering causes the facial skin tissue to break apart. It does not provide the same microdermabrasion benefits essential to facial skin needs.

Body Moisturizers Or Lotions

I admit that I have tried putting body moisturizers on my face because I thought there was no difference to the effect whatsoever. And since it is still skin, I thought that body moisturizers or lotion could target my facial needs. But from the word itself, skin moisturizers are good for skin, but not for the face. The skin expert explains that the formula created for the benefit of the skin is not designed for the face. She said that almost all body moisturizers clog pores. That is because these products are usually a lot thicker and, in general, contain fragrances that irritate the more gentle and delicate facial skin. Now, going back to using it, I may have caused my facial acne more damage than I can imagine.

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Rubbing Alcohol

I know how this might affect facial skin, so I entirely believe this to be true. And now that I have consulted with a skin expert, I have learned the in-depth reasons why I shouldn’t consider doing it in any way. Sadly, I like the cooling effect alcohol gives to my face, but the skin expert said that alcohol is harmful as it rubs off the natural oil in the face. And when the facial skin realizes that it does not have oil anymore, it produces more oil in response. That explains why when I put alcohol on my face, my acne tends to multiply. So with that, I guess I have enough reason to listen to my skin therapist to stay away from rubbing alcohol.

Petroleum Jelly

Now this one is slightly interesting. I have been using petroleum jelly on my face as part of the home remedies for acne, especially because I have known it to moisturize my face. It has been known to improve skin hydration. In some instances, I put it on my lips to smoothens them and sometimes put it in some of the pimples in my face. But my skin therapist suggests that I should stop doing that because petroleum jelly potentially clogs pores. And she said that perhaps that is one of the reasons I still struggle with a lot of acne because I frequently use them. The skin expert told me that it causes skin breakouts, so she does not entirely recommend that. My therapist said I should consider going for natural ones made from beeswax instead of petroleum.

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Semen

Now this one’s a bit controversial. Of course, just imagine how taboo this one could be? I wouldn’t want to dig into people’s acceptable nor unacceptable opinions about this, but I know for sure some few individuals are into this. I know because some people already advised me to get on with it. Fortunately, I don’t see the significance. Good thing my skin therapist shares the same sentiment with me. She said that semen is ineffective in treating acne, contrary to some beliefs that it removes those nasty bumps for less than two to three days. Of course, for the sake of trying almost anything, I would want to know if that’s true. However, I still have that benefit of the doubt that made me forget about doing it.

 



Mindfulness Therapy Towards Emotional Hunger

Sometimes, it is easy for us to know when we are sad and lonely. We know when we want other people’s company. Perhaps that’s because we deal with life’s uncertainness and that we require immediate help. But these are the only things we know. We sometimes forget the truth that we need something more than just a companion’s presence. We want something more that gets into the emotional requirements.

We understand our desire for emotional needs. It is all about happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment from sincere appreciation, safety, and accomplishments. It’s what we get from being part of something that promotes respect and importance. However, there’s an emotional need that seems too complicated to address. It is what most of us do not know. And understand – an emotional hunger.

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What Is Emotional Hunger?

Emotional hunger is a strong need for affection that usually originates in negative childhood experiences. It is a condition where an individual becomes dependent on something or someone to make them feel meaningful. In some instances, emotional hunger is often mistaken as the desire for love. Unfortunately, it holds a negative effect as it drains the person directed towards the other and leaves them empty.

Emotional hunger is always a bad thing because it usually starts with desperation and promotes self-harm and suicidal thoughts. But of course, it’s not a limited case, and everyone can get caught in a situation where the emotional desires flare up. But with only an intention of getting too much affection, we sometimes believe it to be a valid reason for love. Thus, it is fundamental that we understand the difference between emotional hunger and the latter.

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Signs Of Emotional Hunger

Constantly Seeking Others’ Approval  It is somehow a habit of most of us to jump to conclusions about what people think of us. We always have this sense of eagerness to know how others view us as friends, colleagues, family members, and significant others. We seek approval for every action we make and somehow adapt to what others want us to become. This type of mentality can cause stress. Sadly, despite knowing how it negatively impacts us, we still choose to continue with the habit.

Depending On Social Status – Emotional hunger can be too exhausting to handle as it makes us feel that there’s a need to comply with social status. Meaning, we believe that the more friends we have, the more we can keep our mental and emotional state at bay. But that is regardless of people’s value and contribution to our overall well-being. The lower self-esteem caused by emotional hunger can make us dive more into seeking validation and comfort, regardless of not being genuine.

Becoming Overly Clingy – We enjoy love and affection because that’s part of our nature. However, being overly clingy is a different story. It is like giving up ourselves too much that we disregard the negative impact of our desire for too much attention and comfort. We become clingy because we believe that it is the best thing to secure our relationship with others. We think that’s love. We do not care if we get drained up to the extent that we can no longer stand by ourselves.

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Not Having Or Setting Boundaries – Most counseling experts would agree that struggling to have boundaries is a sign of emotional hunger. The more we want others to become part of our lives, the lesser we respect our personal space. We believe that when we set up a barrier, people will automatically leave us for not being too open about everything. We worry too much that we might push people away. We do not try and appreciate the importance of alone time with ourselves because there’s the fear that we might end up liking it eventually.

Giving The Hundred Percent Of Everything – Sometimes, it is easy to give up and sacrifice everything because we believe that is the right thing to do to make others want and appreciate us. We risk our own needs to ensure our relationship with others. We give so much of ourselves that we forget to keep a portion to secure our overall health. We always make time and do favors for others despite trying so hard to be there for ourselves. We always give what people want despite the damages it causes us.

Working With Temporary Solutions – It is hard to identify emotional needs. But sometimes, we still feel not okay. That is why we often engage in temporary solutions like taking drugs and binge drinking. But for the most part, we tend to rely on physical intimacy or casual sex. We do it because of our desire to numb the pain we feel inside. We avoid important emotions by engaging in thrilling sensations. We trick ourselves by thinking that physical connections can provide emotional validation.

 



Suicidal Tendency – Thoughts Of Suicide

Since I learned that my husband was cheating on me, I knew something terrible would happen to my mental health. Thoughts of self-harm started to intrude on my mind. Let me share with how how it all started.

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No, it is not as though I was already planning to sabotage my own life so that people could stick around and feel sorry for me. It was not like that. Instead, I knew I would suffer from a devastating emotional and mental health battle – my mental health emergency and suicidal crisis. And I was never wrong about my stress levels because I eventually endured suicidal thought experiences and feeling suicidal behavior sooner than expected.

Understanding Suicide Thoughts

When I thought I was cheated and lied to, the things I valued most went into the trash. These include my relationship with others, self-love, trusted friends and family, awareness, and appreciation of life – my emotional well-being was at immediate risk of damage. Everything that revolves around me became my source of hate and condemnation. I was so desperate then thinking about a suicide plan, and my thoughts and feelings were all negative; I was self-loathing, and living was not an option. I did not get enough sleep, and my physical and behavioral traits deteriorated. The warning signs were there, but I set them aside as if I was afraid to feel safe and face reality.

I Became Hateful And Suffered From Substance Abuse To Cope

I even lost interest in how much I love to live life, especially when I am incapable of almost doing anything, even for my benefit. I hated myself, and I felt suicidal and often drank alcohol. My mood and overall mental health were so poor that I did not even notice any family member who was worried and concerned and tried to offer support. I do not want to have a conversation with anyone and would not take any advice. I was so overwhelmed with emotions, and I didn’t know how to overcome them and identify triggers.

I Am A Suicidal Person

I am afraid to talk to someone about my feelings and negative thoughts and do not want to say them aloud. I do not want people to think that I am after their attention and show signs of weakness because I need to validate my bad, harmful ideation. I don’t want that. As much as possible, I don’t want anyone to know that I am mentally and emotionally drifting, that I may have mental health problems and that I need professional help for my suicidal feelings. Besides, I do not want my husband to think that what he did to me was his winning moment. I do not want him to underestimate me.

My Suicidal Thoughts And My Mental Health

But I always felt alone, even if I tried my best not to give in. I hate that I experienced something like this that is awfully painful and genuinely heartbreaking – the warning signs were clear. Due to this cheating issue, I was never the same, and my thoughts of suicide grew and grew. I often think I am a total shit because I am constantly at the end of the rope feeling doubtful of everybody. I feel like I am in a dark hole where nobody sees me, getting trapped in an unknown world where there is no way out. I feel hopeless that I consider death as an opinion only to stop the pain and my anguish. I wanted to die and commit suicide so badly. A friend or family once offered professional support in the form of a doctor or healthcare professional and even a spiritual leader, but my suicidal thoughts kept me from accepting the help. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, even a family member.

Suicidal Ideation – A Medical Emergency

I didn’t pay too close attention to telling anyone what was in my head because it just came and went. But sometimes, even if I can shrug off these notions, I still fear them. I know my notions represent major depression and other mental health conditions that can push me to have suicide attempts one of these days. How sure am I about that? It is because I tried to look for several options to accomplish a sudden death. For me, the suicidal feeling is so strong that you want so badly to take your own life. With these thoughts and feelings, I realized there was a need to talk about it and get support from the experts.

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Professional Treatment For Mental Health

At first, I thought that to get rid of my suicidal thoughts, all I had to do was talk to some of my friends or family members about the things that were bothering me. Once I managed to tell them what was on my mind, they would automatically understand what I was going through. However, when I decided to discuss my mental and emotional issues with them, I lost them. The moment I opened up my feelings to the people I love, it instantly created a gap when I acted impulsively. That is because these people were unable to grasp my condition. They just thought I was out of it because of my substance abuse or problem with drugs and perhaps my mental health issues. Some think I am overreacting, while others believe the problem was not as big a deal as I thought.

I chose a different path and vented my emotions to a stranger – a health professional. That was when I decided to seek treatment or possible solutions and medication for my substance abuse and my thoughts of suicide. Self-harm counseling provided me with a glimmer of hope to keep me going. The mental health professional discussed suicide prevention with me and helped me think that all this heartache and suicidal ideation should not influence my will to live. Counseling prevented me from doing something I honestly did not want. I learned coping strategies and was introduced to a support network or support group that offered help to prevent suicide. It made me rethink my goals in life and enabled me to accomplish a fast emotional thought recovery.

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My Takeaways About Suicidal Thinking

I want to feel better because I now think that life offers much more. Therefore, I will not let these notions control me. I am glad I decided to seek a professional counseling service because I would not know if I’d commit suicide if I had not considered it.

Thankfully, I Don’t Think Of Those Dark Ideas Now.

I am positive that whenever the negative idea of doing suicide reaches my thoughts again, I know I can count on encouraging and motivating myself for overall wellness.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to get help for mental health?

To get help for mental health, especially when feeling suicidal or dealing with mental disorders, contact a crisis lifeline.

When your partner threatens suicide?

When your partner threatens suicide, it’s crucial to take it seriously and seek immediate health information or help, especially if they’re in a suicide crisis, even if it’s related to mood swings.

What happens if you call the suicide helpline?

If you call the suicide helpline, they will provide you with caring support for your feelings and health, and help you through difficult moments related to suicide.

What is the issue with suicide?

The issue with suicide is that it involves thinking about suicide, which can lead to suicidal thoughts, and recognizing warning signs is crucial for suicide prevention.

What are suicidal thoughts from?

What does suicidal ideation mean?

What is the number for the suicide?

What is 988?

Can you text the suicide prevention line?

 



Why Do We Need Counseling?

Counseling

If you’re sad, reaching out to others for support is okay. Everyone experiences periods of sadness at times, but if you find that your feelings of sadness are overwhelming, lasting for an extended period, or interfering with your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek professional counseling help. Feeling sad is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences occasionally. It can be triggered by a wide variety of situations and circumstances. It includes loss, loneliness, changes in your situation, physical health issues, disappointment, conflicts, stress, and many more. Different people may have different causes of sadness. You must know how to handle it to avoid overthinking and affecting your mental health.

Counseling 101 - Counseling can provide support and guidance in navigating these transitions.
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Feeling sad or lonely for no particular reason might indicate that you need counseling for your mental health. Usually, this is ignored, and family members won’t notice, mainly when you are used to feeling emotional without medical treatment. But when that emotional instability, concerns, or challenges make you cry without warning, you need to pay attention because there might be something wrong, and you might need counseling. Suppose that sadness and loneliness bring you to the point where you can’t control your tears and think your life is hopeless. In that case, mental health therapy is perhaps the best solution.

You Are Overthinking About Negative Things That Don’t Really Matter

Trained professional counselors would agree that it is okay to think about things daily, but there are limitations. It helps develop your coping skills, comprehension, emotional intelligence, and overall mental health. But when that thinking focuses only on the negative ones and tends to go overboard, it indicates a strong reason for therapy. Overthinking may ruin your disposition and well-being and push you to depression and anxiety, hence the need for medical treatment. It can even damage your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Without medical therapy, dealing with it can cause too much mental and emotional exhaustion as it may bring you to the verge of constantly fighting with yourself, having suicidal thoughts, and engaging in self-harm. It empowers diverse individuals, so seek a broad range of support.

 

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You Are Slipping Into Old Unhealthy Habits

According to an expert, there are instances when even if you try so hard to get rid of distress, stress, panic attacks, anxiety, depressive symptoms, trauma, and other mental health issues, you often see yourself as weak and vulnerable without medical care. You can’t cope with these things when you are emotionally and mentally unstable – things like isolation, eating disorders, alcohol abuse, addictions, gambling, sleep deprivation, etc. When that happens, you need to set your personal and career goals straight and be mindful of the consequences of your actions. Seeking heed counseling as soon as possible when you find these unhealthy habits creeping in.

Please do not assume these slipups are not a big deal because they can still cause inflicting health injuries and challenges in the long run. When you get to this point, get yourself back through medical care. See your advisor immediately. Depending on your concern, you can opt for family counseling services, career counseling, addictions counseling, marriage counseling, individual counseling, group counseling, or even military counseling. These mental health services allow you to talk to a licensed professional psychology expert, licensed clinical social worker, or other professionals or therapists through a series of psychotherapy sessions.

Now it is time to ask yourself. Look inside you and ask yourself if medical care is the answer. Do you really need to see a therapist to resolve things in your life? Are you experiencing substance abuse, domestic violence, or a painful divorce after a failed marriage? Do you think you have a mental health condition (e.g.depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) or need to learn stress management techniques to help you overcome your life challenges? Then, yes, you might need professional help to provide guidance and prescribe medication if necessary.

You Are Experiencing Uncontrollable Emotions

One way to know you need medical therapy services and practice is when your emotions are getting in control, and there’s not much you can do about it. It usually represents an angry outburst or behavior change that creates complicated situations despite knowing yourself not like that. Most times, when this is the case, you struggle with communicating with other communities of people as you immediately think of them as a threat or nuisance. At some point, psychologists state that you might quickly get upset for little reasons, you make it personal, and you do not look into some contributing factors that might control your rage.

So the right licensed professional would suggest that when you feel helpless and can’t see a different perspective and solely focus on your rage, you must express your concerns through counseling  therapy or other medical care. Consider the underlying benefits of reaching out to psychotherapy services to talk about your uncontrollable feelings so you can process them through the psychotherapy process and treatment resources. Treatment, of course, as clients, includes establishing a psychotherapy relationship with a counselor or licensed clinical social workers. The American Counseling Association states that minor anxiety can lead to a debilitating mental illness in the future if no counseling or help is given.

When there are conflicts, communication breakdowns, or other challenges in personal relationships, such as with a partner, family members, or friends. It is nice to seek professional counseling.
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Know When To Get Professional Help

It would be best to have counseling when friends and family cannot take your emotional and mental exhaustion all in. It suggests limiting strangers or groups as much as you want is okay. But be mindful that your friends and family are not exempted from the possible emotional and mental impact. If you are uncertain about your emotional and mental wellness, always remember that you can seek psychotherapy or counseling anytime. Your medical advisor recommends that you could recognize it sooner rather than later. Because despite your optimism and a known ability to handle things on your own, there could be an example of a particular moment when seeing a counselor, talking things out in a safe place, going to medical care, and having unbiased opinions could provide psychotherapy benefits to process through.

Counseling suggests it’s okay to limit strangers. But be mindful that your friends and family are not exempted from emotional and mental impact.

Final Thoughts About Counseling Treatment

There could be no limit to the advantage you could get from counseling specialties, and seeing a medical care expert could change everything. Aside from psychotherapy and counselors’ unbiased opinions, psychotherapy pros could offer assistance, tools, and suitable medical care techniques for your medical care needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Importance Of Consultation?

Consultation with counselors is important for online education and work to receive guidance and support for various aspects of personal and professional development.

Who Needs Counseling?

People who need counseling often have concerns related to their mental health and may seek guidance from a counseling association for continuing education in this field.

What Should I Expect From Counseling?

From counseling with professional counselors in a health service, you can expect to find a counselor who listens, provides support, and helps you work through personal challenges or issues.

What Kind Of Questions Do Counselors Ask?

Counselors, including mental health professionals, ask various questions to understand and help address a person’s emotional and mental health concerns.

What Are The 3 Types Of Counseling?

What Is The Best Form Of Counseling?

What Is The Counseling Method?

Do I Need It Or Therapy?

How Do I Prepare For It?

How Long Does It Take For Counseling To Work?



Frequently Asked Questions About Being Sad And Healthy

Being Sad Due To Health Problems

Sadly, I got diagnosed with lung cancer at the young age of 9. It was likely caused by second-hand smoke, considering my parents were chain smokers. I was not allergic to it from the beginning, so they did not feel the need to stay away from me whenever they had cigarettes on. They never thought I could get affected like this, so despite their full knowledge of keeping the smoke away from their kid, they continued doing what they thought was not that big of a deal – smoking.

Fortunately, they stopped as soon as we got my health diagnosis. It was cancer. My parents became responsible for what they brought into the house, and they changed their lifestyles, committing to better and healthier ones. They engaged with different people and spread awareness of what smoking can do to everyone. They exerted effort to show how they really understand the whole situation and what needs to be done following my chronic health situation. This period of sadness and uncertainty deeply affected our family, but their unwavering support and determination transformed our mood and provided valuable information on how to navigate this challenging journey.

Sadly, the damage had been done – cancer cells had already been activated. I am deeply heartbroken to know that I am at my health limit and that the probability of losing a life is going to happen too soon. I could only go through radiation and chemotherapy to deal with my illness.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not being sarcastic, nor do I blame my parents for their inconsiderate behavior toward smoking. I do not hate them and will never make them feel that they should be feeling sorry for themselves for the rest of their lives just because I now have cancer. I am not like that. My parents were always supportive of me, and I am also here to support them emotionally and mentally.

The Unimaginable Process

If you have seen adults struggling with chemo, you can imagine how much harder it was for a kid like me to battle the intense sadness that came with cancer. It wasn’t about my physical appearance; I couldn’t care less if I lost my hair during the treatment. The most challenging part was swallowing those big pills and having needles stuck in my veins regularly. It wasn’t the type of experience you could ever get used to. Its process is exhausting as it takes a toll on my time and energy. Sometimes it makes me feel sad, like torture, and I often experience sadness along with weight loss.

The treatment was always painful, especially when the same areas of your body would get bruised after experiencing sadness too often. From the third session, when I realized that I still had five months to endure everything, I would often express my feelings of sadness to my parents, telling them that I felt so overwhelmed by the pain and sorrow all the time. Of course, they wouldn’t agree with that, as they wanted me to live a healthy life and have a second chance. Mostly, I saw it as their way of apologizing for being so irresponsible and causing their daughter to experience sadness throughout her entire life.

Once I reached the hospital, I would beg my nurses and doctors to stop treating me and let me be. I was in full pain; that is why I often asked everyone to just allow me to end everything. I wanted to die at that moment because I thought that whatever it was that they were doing, it would only end up killing me in the long run. So the only thing I do every time they try to help me, take me to the machines, and sometimes force me to swallow those pills is to beg them to let me die. But no loved one listens to me.

I am thankful for that now, for sure, but I did not feel that way back then. In reality, there was one thing that everyone said to me that I hated the most. It went along these lines: ‘Don’t cry, little girl. Everything will be okay soon.’ It was a lie, and even my younger self knew it. I did not believe the adults around me whenever they said that; it made me feel sad and caused me to cry even harder because they seemed like they did not want me to go through my emotions. If I had listened to them, I might have had trouble and developed depression because I had zero outlets for my other emotions. But I continue to tell friends and family how much I feel, expressing myself and always discussing my concerns, anger, frustrations, sad feelings, hopelessness, and fear of drying.

I found the best way to engage with those negative thoughts, even when feeling sad, where it involves suicide. I promised myself and held onto that promise. That one day, when things about the awful treatments and medications were over, I would love myself even more. And that when I survived the chemotherapy and became free of all the diseases, I would love everything about life even more. I motivated myself by convincing myself that there’s so much life can offer me once I get better. I encouraged myself to think about health and living because I wanted to see what I would become when I grew up.

It was a miracle actually that I made it. I helped myself get better, and I am so glad that I did not let my negative suicidal thoughts dwell on the sacrifices I have made.

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FAQs About Loneliness And Its Connection To Our Health

Is Loneliness Bad For Your Wellbeing?

Keeping your feelings to yourself – sadness, frustration, grief, or anger – may cause your body to be physically stressed and unhealthy. The impact is the same, though the core emotions vary. It is a known fact that this affects one’s self-esteem, sleep, guilt, memory, and blood pressure. Over all, it can greatly affect one’s health.

What Does Loneliness Do To Your Body?

Being miserable or sad can significantly impact your overall well-being. Spending time dwelling on negative thoughts of death can alter the levels of stress-related opioids in your brain — it’s difficult to be sad and healthy at the same time. Additionally, it can lead to an increase in inflammatory proteins in your bloodstream, which are associated with a heightened risk of comorbid illnesses, such as stroke, metabolic syndrome, and heart problems – all of which pose serious health risks.

Is Loneliness A Disease?

Being sad is a natural response to circumstances that may lead to an example of emotional pain or distress. On the other hand, there are differing degrees of sad feelings and a depressed mood.

Do We Need Loneliness To Feel Joy?

Devoid of sadness, happiness is meaningless. Paradoxically, if you are scared of being emotionally sad, you are often unable to feel the heights of happiness. A lot of people live their lives in the middle area. They often don’t experience intense happiness, nor do they feel intense sad and low energy.

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Is It Okay To Cry?

Yes, it is. Ways to experience feelings of worthlessness and sadness are human reactions to misery and disappointment. They are also healthy reactions, serving as a natural means of reducing the stress that, if ignored for long periods, could have detrimental effects on your body, both physically and mentally. This includes a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular illnesses and other stress-linked diseases.

Is It Okay To Cry For No Reason?

First of all, nothing is wrong with crying for no reason. Some people cry more often than others, and it is certainly okay. In fact, health professionals say that crying is a great natural stress reliever and it is healthy for people. A person who cries might actually become better than the one who doesn’t.

Is Crying Too Much Bad For You?

Crying has several advantages. However, too much of it might be an indication of depression. Crying as a reaction to one’s feelings like joy, frustration, or sadness, is quite normal.

Does Crying Damage Your Brain?

Health experts say that although animals exposed to extremely high stress levels for long durations could present with changes in their brain configuration, stress due to crying has never been proven to cause brain damage in humans.

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Why Do I Usually Cry Easily Even If The Issue Is Not Really A Big Deal?

All of us cry sometimes. However, if you find yourself crying excessively and easily, it might indicate that you are overwhelmed by the stresses in your life or grappling with other issues in your mind, such as feelings of worthlessness, sadness, or depression.

Why Do I Cry When Other People Cry?

The concept of ‘grasping’ others’ feelings is something that health and psychology experts have been delving into. Known as ’emotional contagion,’ it happens when you interact with a person who feels extreme emotions. This, in turn, leads you to grasp that same emotion, sadness is normal.

Is Crying A Sign Of Weakness Of Someone?

No, it’s not. Crying is not a sign or one of the symptoms that you are weak. Conversely, it has been said that if you can cry to get over your problems, you are indeed strong and a healthy person.

Is Massage Good To Relieve One’s Self From Sadness Or Depression?

If you have severe worry, sadness, anxiety, or depression or are just too stressed about life, getting a massage can be part of the whole treatment plan. It can aid you in achieving relaxation, peace of mind, body-mind connection, good health, and empowerment.

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What Type Of Massage Is The Best To Relieve Anxiety?

Shiatsu is probably the best massage for individuals who want to achieve relaxation, tension, and stress relief. It is a form of massage that originated in Japan that was developed to promote physical and emotional relaxation.

What Is The Benefit Of Sadness?

How Do You Express Loneliness In A Beneficial Way?

What is it to be happy and sad?

What are the benefits of sadness?

Why being emotional is good?

Final Thoughts

I survived lung cancer 20 years ago. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy were both unpleasant experiences that made me sad and depressed. I only recall the pain when I look at old images of myself. Contrary to popular belief, experiencing sadness made me physically and emotionally healthy. My feelings must be spoken, or they will perish. I could never be brave. I had no idea how brilliant I was as a child. If I could, I’d tell my 9-year-old self that I’m proud of her.



Frequently Asked Questions About Statistics Of Depression

Understanding everything about mental health and depression is not simple. Often, you will need to consider what is specifically happening to someone with a mental health condition because many things vary. That is because the signs and symptoms of someone experiencing Major Depressive Disorder or MDD differ for everyone. Not everybody is weak and vulnerable so they often choose isolation. Some depressed individuals are outgoing and often have strong personalities. Honestly, you can never genuinely tell if someone is dealing with an emotional and mental health problem. Not unless they openly expressed and talked about it.

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The thing is, major depressive disorder is often silent but can still be too loud. You might easily identify it with lonely people, stressed, anxious, and always out of disposition. You can quickly distinguish their mental health condition through their actions. That explains why you can say that depressed people are often agitated, confused, and sensitive, and even show possible signs of acne and mental health issues. When they get a chance to talk and express themselves, they start with how empty they are.

But the situation is not limited to that since there are depressed individuals who are very happy and confident about what they want. These are individuals that usually discuss things in riddles. Sometimes, they tend to go bold and let people know about their plans and how much they want to leave the people and the world behind them. They openly talk about self-harm and suicidal thoughts in a joking manner. It is as if they want people to save them, but they do not want everybody to know that they need help.

Signs and symptoms of depression, although some of them are obvious ones, can still be tricky. That is because some people extremely want everything complicated. It is not because they want to lie to others or anything, but because they have this different mentality on how a mental disorder should be dealt with.

Age And Gender Differences In Mental Illness

According to the National Institute of Mental Health and Disease Control, Major Depressive Disorder or MDD is a mental health disorder that can affect anyone regardless of age or gender, but  research on depression statistics suggests that there are differences in the rates of how this disorder is diagnosed among different age support groups and genders. Understanding these differences is crucial for identifying those who may be at increased risk of developing this mental disorder, as highlighted by research from the National Institute of Disease Control, and providing appropriate health care support and treatment. In this section, we will explore age and gender differences in rates of how this disorder affects our society.

Rates By Age

Studies have found that the rates are highest among young adults, particularly those aged 18 to 25. These tend to decrease with age, with the lowest rates found among older adults aged 60 and above. Possible reasons for higher rates among young adults include stress related to transitioning into adulthood, social pressure, and lack of social support.

Rates By Gender

Studies consistently show that women are more likely to experience Major Depressive Disorder than men. Women are twice as likely to experience this mental disorder as men, and this gender difference persists across cultures and countries. Possible reasons for the gender difference in these rates include hormonal differences, socialization, and differences in coping strategies.

Importance Of Recognizing Age And Gender Differences In Cognitive Illness

Understanding population age and gender differences can help healthcare professionals or healthcare providers and policymakers develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies. For example, providing mental health support and resources to affected young adults, particularly those in high-stress transitional periods, can help prevent the mental disorder from developing. Recognizing that there are higher rates among women can lead to better screening and early detection of this mental condition in this population.

Economic And Social Impact Of The Condition

This disorder is not only a personal struggle for those who experience it, but it can also have a significant impact on society as a whole, affecting both adults and young individuals. In this section, we will explore the economic and social impact of major depressive disorder.

Economic Impact

Major depressive disorder or MDD, has a significant economic impact, with estimates suggesting that it costs the global economy over $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. It can lead to absenteeism and presenteeism (being present at work but not functioning well), which can result in reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. It is also associated with increased use of healthcare services, including hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Social Impact

This mental disorder can have a significant impact on social functioning, leading to impaired relationships, social withdrawal, and decreased participation in social activities. It can also lead to stigma and discrimination, which can further exacerbate social isolation and hinder recovery. The social impact of this mental disorder can extend beyond the individual, affecting family members, friends, coworkers, and other social contacts.

Cost Of The Treatment

The cost of treatment for this mental disorder can be expensive, particularly for those without access to adequate healthcare coverage. The cost of treatment can include medication, therapy, hospitalizations, and other healthcare services. Lack of access to affordable treatment can lead to untreated major depressive disorder, which can have long-term consequences for both the individual and society.

Importance Of Addressing The Economic And Social Impact Of The Condition

Addressing the economic and social impact of this disorder is crucial for improving the well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Investing in mental health services and resources can help reduce its economic burden and improve social functioning. Addressing stigma and discrimination can help reduce social isolation and increase access to treatment.

What Age Has The Highest Rate Of Clinical Illness?

The prevalence of major depressive episodes was higher among 7.1% of the U.S. population. Usually, those are 8.7% females and 5.3% males. Major severe cases of major depressive disorder are most likely to affect individuals between the ages of 45 and 65.

How Many Individuals In The World Suffer From Mental Illness?

It is a widespread mental illness, and globally, more than 264 million people are diagnosed with major depression. These include a million adults, middle-aged, teenagers, and even kids. It is a leading cause of emotional, mental, and physical disability worldwide and a major contributor to the overall global burden of health complications and diseases.

What Percentage Of Students Have Symptoms Of The Condition?

Almost 20 percent of all teens experience this mental struggle. Usually, some of them suffer from mild to severe symptoms before they reach adulthood. And in an unfortunate situation, only 30 percent of these depressed teens get proper treatment. That is because some of them often ignore their symptoms, and others do not care at all.

What Is The Most Common Mental Disorder?

Anxiety disorders are a well-known mental illness in the U.S. It affects approximately 40 million individuals from age 18 and older. This population also grows every given year as many teens and young adults struggle with life pressure and general problems. Fortunately, anxiety disorders are highly manageable. With the right treatment and medication, symptoms can easily go away. However, the problem is that only 36.9% of those suffering receive and seek treatment.

 Which Race Has The Most Leading Rate Of Mental Illness?

The race with the highest rate of major depressive disorder is usually Hispanics at 10.8%. It then gets followed by African American adults with an 8.9% total population count and whites with 7.8%. In addition to the information, the global rates from the WHO’s most recent findings indicate that the following countries, such as Brazil, Bangladesh, India, China, and the U.S., have the highest rates of diagnosis of this mental disorder.

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Who Is At Greatest Risk For The Cognitive Disorder?

Usually, individuals in middle age are at the top of the bell curve for this mental condition. That is because of the life stressors that are often unmanageable such as financial strain, work-related disappointments, the death of a loved one, and many relationship problems. But that does not mean that the very young and very old do not experience depressive conditions. Some teenagers and adults often struggle mentally for a long time because they usually tend to ignore it, leaving them more susceptible to severe symptoms as the mental problem progresses.

What Are The Types Of Mental Illness?

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, the types of this disorder are Major, Bipolar Disorder, Psychotic, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Persistent Depressive Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Peripartum (Postpartum), and ‘Situational’.

What Is The Mortality Rate Of MDD?

People with Major Depressive Disorder or MDD or severe anxiety usually die 7.9 years earlier than those with minimal mental health issues. At a population level, anxiety or persistent low moods were associated with an elevated risk of mortality. Severe conditions of mental health (such as eating disorders, substance use disorders, and others) make people suffer greatly with emotional, physical, and mental aspects. They also function poorly at work, at school, and in the family.

 What Country Has The Worst Mental Health?

The recent findings on the highest rates of global depression are countries such as Colombia, the United States, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. On the other hand, countries like Shanghai, Nigeria, and Italy were consistently low. Also, the prevalence was lower in Asian countries in general as well.

 Why Is School A Waste Of Time?

Many people believe that the school system is inconsistent because it doesn’t teach children the necessary skills for continued development. Besides the fact that school days are too long, it becomes entirely hard for children to focus for hours straight. At a very young age, children are obliged to spend long hours in an isolated room with individuals their age and only handled by a single adult that tends to teach them lessons. Many people think that life would be too uninteresting without school and that they cannot learn without the premises’ teachings.

 Is School The Main Cause Of MDD?

For some individuals, yes, it is. Not only does school often add to anxiety or persistent low moods, but mental health can also interfere with school at the same time. Moreover, research shows that all mental health conditions usually begin by age 24. Hence, the college years are a critical stage for individuals to experience many stressors that can damage their mental and emotional state.

 Can School Stress Cause Mental Illness?

Long-term stress that school problems bring increases the risk of mental health issues. These include anxiety, mood changes, substance use disorder or problems, sleep problems, pain, bodily muscle tension, and major depressive disorder. Long-term stress from school can contribute to physical, emotional, and mental illness. It can also affect the immune and metabolic functions, the heart, and chemicals acting on the brain.

 What Is The Rarest Mental Illness?

The rarest mental illness is called Apotemnophilia. It is an identity disorder characterized by the overwhelming desire to amputate healthy parts of the body. This disorder is said to be neurological since there is not much known specific information about it.

 At What Age Does Anxiety Peak?

Studies suggest that anxiety usually affects adults ages 30 to 44. These individuals often experience the highest anxiety rate and often can’t handle extreme mental health conditions. Some severe cases’ symptoms often include disrupted daily functioning, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, agitation, tense muscles, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.

What is poor mental health?

There is poor mental health involved when you find it difficult to manage how you think, feel, and act concerning daily stresses in your life. Other factors may affect as well, including gambling, smoking, alcohol, and misuse of drug use, which can contribute to poor mental health.

What percentage of death is from MDD?

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is not typically the direct cause of death, but it can contribute to other medical conditions that increase the risk of mortality. However, specific statistics data regarding the percentage of deaths directly attributed to MDD cannot be determined.

Who is most at risk for MDD?

Those most at risk for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) tend to be individuals with a family history of the illness, those who have experienced traumatic or stressful life events, or individuals with chemical imbalances in the brain. Additionally, women are at a higher risk than men for experiencing MDD, according to available statistics data.

Why is major depressive disorder so common in the world?

Major Depressive Disorder is common worldwide due to a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and social stressors. However, the availability of statistical data has contributed to increased awareness and diagnosis of this condition.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

The most challenging mental disorder to live with varies from person to person as it depends on individual experiences. However, mental disorders such as schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder are considered especially challenging for those who have them.

What is the top 10 worst mental illness?

There is no definitive list of the “top 10 worst” mental illnesses as the severity perception varies from person to person. Nevertheless, some of the most severe mental illnesses include schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and major depressive disorder.

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Insight

You might assume that because you already got answers to some of your questions, you understand depression better. No, it is not like that. You will never entirely understand what this mental disorder is not unless you live through it. You will never know the sacrifices that people need to deal with while having this disorder, not unless you recover from the mental illness. But it does not mean that knowing something is not helpful. With a little bit of understanding and compassion, you can become an instrument to help and encourage people to fight their mental health battles.

 



Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder
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Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that alters a person’s thought processes, emotional comprehension, and social interactions, which in turn can damage a person’s mental health. Schizophrenia also affects the capacity to discern between right and wrong.

Research studies show that there is no miracle pill or series of medications that can eliminate schizophrenia. Access to appropriate clinical trials and treatment is the best way to manage the negative symptoms of Schizophrenia better.

This article will focus on therapy for schizophrenia as a mental illness and other issues on the topic.

Schizophrenia

Split Personality Or Multiple Personalities

Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, used the term “Schizophrenia” to describe serious mental illness.

Schizophrenia came from Greek roots, referring to a split personality (multiple personalities) or separate mind.

This definition emphasizes how those who have schizophrenia have fragmented thoughts and reactions to stimuli, which differs from other mental illnesses.

The term schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by abnormal motor behavior, disorganized speech, and delusions As a mental, illness, it requires the immediate attention of mental health services and also has several risk factors associated with it.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors. So, developing schizophrenia can be attributed to biology.

Psychotic Disorders According To the DSM-5

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), people who are experiencing psychosis symptoms of schizophrenia, or a similar psychotic illness, may have higher risk factors for other psychotic disorders if they have a family history of the disorder, certain brain abnormalities, or exposure to viral infections during early brain development.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that schizophrenia affects many adults. Schizophrenia is not just a dysfunction of the brain chemicals.

Psychotic disorders are characterized by disorganized thinking and false beliefs.

Schizophrenia is a type of psychotic disorder that is marked by early-stage symptoms, such as visual hallucinations.

Family members of people with schizophrenia often have a family history of the schizophrenic spectrum, which suggests that there may be a genetic component to the condition.

Early treatment and medical education support are critical for the first episode of psychosis in people with schizophrenia, as they can improve symptoms and help prevent schizophrenia and the development of other chronic mental health problems.

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but schizophrenia is thought to be related to a combination of brain chemistry and brain structure abnormalities.

Schizophrenia

Few Management Options

The target of treatment must be the symptoms or manifestations of schizophrenia. Medicine serves a great purpose in managing the symptoms of this mental illness.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of psychological counseling treatments further enhance the management of the disorder.

Meanwhile, the therapists shall focus on opening discussions with the patient concerning the concept of schizophrenia and its symptoms.

A great way to help the patient manage the symptoms of schizophrenia is to explain why and how it happens.

Multiple types of therapy can be helpful in assisting. They will discuss how therapy helps and what it tries to avoid when assisting patients in managing their symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental health conditions.

Additionally, please know more about this severe mental disorder and the subsequent consequences for those who suffer from it.

Many of the people diagnosed with schizophrenia are attempting suicide. It is common in young adulthood. It often starts as unpredictable agitation. To prevent it, neurotransmitters called dopamine must be administered as a treatment.

Schizophrenia

Frequently Asked Questions

Which therapy is best for schizophrenia?

The national alliance research suggests that treatment for this disorder is a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other drugs and medication.

Patients receive antipsychotic medications to manage disruptive symptoms.

What are the goals of therapy?

The goal of therapy is to manage symptoms by providing day-to-day support and treatment.

It also aims to alleviate the emotional distress of the patient. Therapy assists the patient to have as much independence.

How effective is therapy for schizophrenia?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective at reducing symptoms. Studies show that CBT improves the ability of patients in terms of managing symptoms.

Therapy can lead to an improvement in community behavior. It can also improve the overall quality of life.

What is the latest treatment for schizophrenia?

The Asenapine transdermal patch got approval recently. It is the only transdermal medication approved for treating it.

It helps visually confirm medication adherence and the possibility of improved tolerability for medicine.

Who has schizophrenia?

Zelda Fitzgerald had schizophrenia. She is the wife of the famed writer of The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald. Lionel Aldridge, a Superbowl-winning Football player. Peter Green, the guitarist of Fleetwood Mac.

What schizophrenia should avoid?

It is important to avoid triggers and stressful situations.

The ABC Model can be used to help organize confusing experiences by assessing

(A) Activating Experiences,

(B) Patient’s Beliefs, and

(C) Consequences.

schizophrenia
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Schizophrenia

How can schizophrenia be cured permanently?

Currently, there is no cure for schizophrenia. It is a lifelong mental health problem and will require extensive care to manage.

However, there are many ways to regulate negative symptoms effectively, even for difficult mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Mental health services are adept at assisting people with mental illness. The right treatment decisions are critical for the best results.

Why do people with schizophrenia get so angry?

Sudden outbursts of anger and aggression are generally a symptom of this illness.

These outbursts happen due to abnormalities in the frontal and temporal lobes.

Also, various environmental factors can exacerbate the patient’s emotional distress.

schizophrenia
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Stigmatization and ostracization are common triggers for aggression.

Paranoid schizophrenics are likely to experience anger and a lack of impulse control.

A patient needs to have a good treatment plan from their mental health professionals such as therapist and psychiatrists.

Being empathetic and authentic may help to create a good therapeutic relationship.

Schizophrenia

Will it be cured?

There is currently no known cure for schizophrenia.

However, there are many ways to treat it effectively.

Also, it is possible to control the manifestation of its psychotic symptoms. Some symptoms might include hearing voices, among others.

Why do people with schizophrenia die early?

The life expectancy of schizophrenic people is shorter compared to the general population.

Late diagnosis, poor social and physical treatment, and medication side effects present the risk of having a high mortality rate.

Unregulated schizophrenia symptoms can lead patients to an unhealthy lifestyle.

It can then result in a higher risk of suicide.

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Does schizophrenia ever go away?

It is a lifelong condition. However, living a full life is not impossible when you have this condition.

Therapy and treatment can help improve the quality of life of patients. Consistency is vital for the success of the treatment plan.

Can someone with schizophrenia live a normal life?

Yes, a schizophrenic person can live a normal life. A person with this condition needs to get medication and treatment.

These things help regulate their behavior, moods, and delusions.

Is it the worst mental illness?

Although the disorder is an illness that is notably difficult to control, framing it as one of the serious mental illnesses may prove harmful for those with the condition.

Schizophrenia

Why are schizophrenic voices negative?

Sometimes, schizophrenic voices are just of people patients recognize or even non-descript.

Command hallucinations from hearing voices that give direct instructions pose the most risk to people with mental health conditions such as this one.

There are different drivers of negative auditory hallucinations such as negative life experiences, unhealthy emotional regulation strategies, physical/social threats, and stigmatization from society.

Does the condition get worse as you age?

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia mellow down later in life. Meanwhile, the mental health disorder’s negative symptoms manifest more with age.

Positive symptoms are delusions, common hallucinations, and disorganized and incoherent speech. Negative symptoms include restricted emotions, catatonia, and flat affect.

Without treatment, cognitive symptoms are likely to get worse as the patient gets older.

Committing to any form of effective mental health services or program for mental health problems such as substance abuse or drug and alcohol misuse, anxiety, depression, etc, will be incredibly beneficial. Treatment can help both the individuals who have it and their friends and loved ones.

In several cases, people with schizophrenia can live regular lives, while others would have to undergo constant mental health services administration and monitoring.

Once the symptoms of schizophrenia are under control, those who suffer from it must continue their therapy program and medication.  Doing so will help maintain momentum in the right direction.

In addition to therapy, psychosocial treatments and aid from immediate friends and family or support groups can also help manage and identify early warning signs.

With this, patients can learn proper social etiquette, and create deep and meaningful bonds with themselves and others. It is also essential to avoid potential triggers that may lead to the relapse of symptoms.

Schizophrenia

Understanding The Effects Of The Condition And How To Deal With It

The onset of Schizophrenia often happens during the early phase of adulthood. The patient must obtain rigorous professional support and guidance to develop fundamental life skills. It will be useful for completing education and eventually sustaining a career or business in the future.

Those who have it, tend to depend highly on others. However, some coordinated specialty care programs and movements can help transition people with other mental illnesses to a certain degree of self-sufficiency. These skills training are helpful concerning daily tasks, financial obligations, and relationship-building.

Final Thoughts And Takeaway

With the right surrounding individuals and a proper positive mindset, those with schizophrenia can succeed and thrive in life. Friends and family must pitch in to make the symptoms more manageable and avoidable.

Everyone involved must have a good heart and a firm grasp of optimism to overcome the circumstances of mental health and its symptoms. As long as everyone sticks to the program and stays positive, patients can easily handle this mental disorder.

FAQs

What Does A Schizophrenic Person Do?

What Are The First Warning Signs Of Schizophrenia?

What Causes Schizophrenia?

What Drugs Cause Schizophrenia?

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Mental Health Disorders

Do you have mental health disorders?

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The first time that Jenny, my younger sister, watched young gymnasts perform at my elementary school, she was only three years old. According to my parents, it was the only time my sister remained seated for an hour ever since she learned how to walk. She could not take her eyes off the kids who were twirling and tumbling and doing splits on the mat while dancing to the upbeat song on the background.

After that performance, we thought that Jenny would forget about it at once and show her curiosity in other things. However, while the entire family watched the gymnastics competition in the Olympics via satellite, she started trying to copy the gymnasts, from their elegant stance to their basic routines. When Jenny was not rolling and tumbling in our living room, she would be sitting in front of the TV, obviously amazed by the athletes from different countries.

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Since my parents noticed Jenny’s interest in gymnastics, they asked the gymnastics teacher at the local center if they would allow her to sit in the class. I remembered picking her up from class with Mom once and seeing that she was the youngest and smallest student there. To everyone’s surprise, though, Jenny was a natural gymnast. She did everything that she saw the older kids doing; there was no sign of shyness from her at all. After the first recital, we heard Jenny say, “I will be a professional gymnast when I grow up.”

A Rising Gymnast 

One year later, Jenny has officially enrolled in the gymnastics class. Mind you; she was four years old at the time. The teacher typically allowed seven-year-olds to register, but she exempted my sister from the rule because of her evident talent.

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Three times a week, Jenny would go to the gym to walk and jump on beams and learn how to do front and backflips properly. It did not seem like those activities were challenging when she was doing them because she was always smiling. But we had seen other kids fall and struggle to improve their gymnastic skills, so it became apparent that my little sister might genuinely be meant to grow up as a gymnast.

This routine of driving Jenny to gymnastics class a few times a week went on for another year. We thought she would get bored with the activity after a year, but she showed no sign of that. She seemed as healthy as could be. With how things were going, no one would have expected she would be at risk for a mental health disorder.

If anything, my sister became eager to learn more moves and do competitive gymnastics soon. In truth, she already entered the Junior Olympics program and passed the first and second levels immediately. For Level 3, she had to wait until her sixth birthday to pass because that’s the minimum age requirement.

Jenny’s chance to compete finally came when she turned seven years old. There was a tournament in another city, and her gym wanted to send representatives to it. Since everyone was aware of my sister’s skills, she automatically got selected to compete against other Level 5 gymnasts. It became clearer that it was the right choice when she took home the gold after the competition. From then on, gymnastics became part of her daily life.

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The Fall Of The Gymnast

My sister did not stop competing since then. She worked hard to pass all the junior levels until a national coach scouted her and asked my parents if they would allow Jenny to train as a competitive gymnast for the Olympics. Of course, that was the goal, so Jenny left her little gym and began training with other professional athletes for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Since one had to qualify for the Olympics, Jenny joined various gymnastics competitions throughout 2015. The training was brutal for an 18-year-old’s body, but she never complained. On top of that, she had to do homeschooling so that she would still graduate high school with the rest of her batch. My sister often said, “I don’t care how much I suffer from perfecting my moves. This is what I was meant to do in my life. I want to continue competing for as long as I can.” So, we continued to support her dreams, but little did we know she would be facing mental health problems soon.

Unfortunately, Jenny got into a freaky car accident with her friends. Their vehicle toppled over, and it was lucky that none of them died, but Jenny had to get metal pins to put her broken legs back together. Since a gymnast had to have strong legs and arms to do everything, her professional career came to an end before the Olympics. It was a traumatic event that ended her dreams, and put her at increased risk for having emotional health issues, psychological illness, or mental health disorders.

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How I Almost Lost My Sister To A Mental Health Disorders

Jenny did not seem like the little sister that I used to have for months. After the accident, she became moody and unhappy, and it was a significant impairment for her at home. She even yelled at my parents for the first time when they tried to coax her to eat. We should have realized that it was more than just sadness. She was showing signs of eating disorders and other suspecting mental health disorders. Then, at night, we would hear her crying, most likely grieving over the loss of her dreams. Her depressed mood disorder was another sign of a mental disorder.

Mental Health Disorders

Our fears turned into reality when Mom found my sister passed out in bed with an empty bottle of sleeping pills in her hand. These weren’t recreational drugs. Her degrading mental health had push her to the most extreme form of self harm. We rushed her to the hospital, and the doctors luckily managed to pump the drugs out of her stomach. When Jenny woke up the next day, we were all crying hard, and she was saying sorry for trying to take her life. It turned out that she was so depressed for months, but she wanted to get mental health disorders counseling help and get her life back on track after what happened.

If you suspect that a loved one has mental health disorders, don’t wait for something grave to occur before you confront them about their mental health disorders. Learn to recognize the risk factors of mental health disorders.

Mental Health Disorders FAQs

What To Do If Your Sister Has Mental Health Disorders?

What Is The Impact Of Having A Sibling With Mental Illnesses or Disorders?

How Do People With Mental Health Disorders Cope?

How Do You Handle A Family Member With Mental Health Disorders?

How Do You Deal With A Sister With A Personality Problem?

How do you comfort someone with unstable mental health?

What is the impact of mental health disorders on the person and family?

What is the importance of family for individuals with mental health disorders?

Why is it important to take care of your mental health?

How do you explain mental health disorders to someone who doesn’t understand disorders?

How to deal with a family member who has mental health disorders and won’t get help?

How can you protect your mental health from toxic family members?

How do you interact with someone with a personality disorder?

How do you communicate with a mentally unstable person?

What kind of impact does mental disorders have on a person’s life?




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