Understanding Types of Mental Illness

In today’s fast-paced world, our physical health is often prioritized over mental health, though mental health is equally as vital to our well-being. Mental illnesses affect millions of people worldwide, yet stigma and misunderstanding remain. At Better Balance Psychiatry, we believe that knowledge is power, and that’s why we’re here to provide a comprehensive guide to understanding different mental illnesses and help you find effective treatment options for you or a loved one on the journey to better mental wellness.

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What is Mental Illness? 

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Before we get into specifics, let’s clarify what mental illness truly is. It’s not just about feeling down occasionally; mental illnesses are real medical conditions that can disrupt a person’s thoughts, feelings, behavior, and overall well-being. These conditions often require professional diagnosis and treatment, like physical ailments. If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness, contact us today to discover treatment options. 

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Common Mental Illnesses

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Mood Disorders 

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Depression

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This common mood disorder goes beyond occasional sadness. It involves persistent feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Signs of someone battling depression may include spending extended amounts of time sleeping or expressing social isolation. They might also tend to dwell on negative situations or become irritable quickly. Distinguishing clinical depression from temporary sadness is crucial for seeking timely help.

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Post-Partum Depression 

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Beyond the anticipated joy of welcoming a new life, some new mothers find themselves enveloped in overwhelming darkness. Post-partum depression brings persistent feelings of desolation, fatigue, and detachment from activities they once cherished. Sleep becomes elusive and excessive, causing some new moms to find themselves in social isolation due to their symptoms. This condition demands awareness, as it presents differently than everyday fatigue or mood fluctuations. Distinguishing between the natural challenges of motherhood and the grip of post-partum depression is imperative for seeing support and recovery. 

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Anxiety Disorders

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

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Constant worry, excessive anxiety, and inability to shake off irrational fears are characteristics of GAD. Anxiety is present in children and adults, presenting symptoms that may fluctuate or worsen during stressful times. People with GAD typically know that they worry more than they should but have trouble controlling their feelings of nervousness. Unraveling the nature and triggers associated with this disorder assists in managing its impact on daily life and can help find effective coping methods. 

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Panic Disorder

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Recurrent panic attacks, often accompanied by fear of having more, can be debilitating. Frequent and unexpected panic attacks are characterized by a wave of fear, discomfort, or even a loss of control, even when there is no apparent danger or trigger. During these attacks, someone may experience nausea, increased heart rate, and trembling, among other symptoms. Learning more about these episodes and the available coping strategies for this disorder can assist you or others in regaining control. 

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

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Beyond everyday perfectionism, OCD involves distressing obsessions and repetitive compulsion. For example, an excessive fear of getting contaminated by germs might cause someone to compulsively wash their hands until they’re sore and dry. Types of obsessions and compulsions someone might experience can change over time and generally worsen when you experience greater stress. Distinguishing between quirks and genuine OCD is vital for seeking appropriate help. 

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

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Trauma can leave lasting scars, leading to symptoms like flashbacks or hypervigilance. PTSD can develop when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. Triggers bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and/or physical reactions. Understanding the impact of trauma and seeking specialized treatment can make a significant difference. 

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Psychotic Disorders

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Schizophrenia

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Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking are prominent signs of this complex disorder. The most common subtype of this disease is paranoid schizophrenia, which typically develops in the late teens or early twenties in men and late twenties in women, and may cause hallucinations or delusions but doesn’t affect speech and emotions. The difference between hallucinations and delusions is that hallucinations are seeing, feeling, or hearing things that aren’t there, while delusions are believing things others don’t. An example of a delusion is when someone believes that someone else is monitoring their actions. Schizophrenia can often be difficult to navigate without professional assistance in managing symptoms. 

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Personality Disorders

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Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

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Intense mood swings, unstable relationships, and a fear of abandonment characterize BPD. Someone suffering from BPD might present a pattern of distorted and unstable self-image or impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, such as spending sprees, substance misuse, or binge eating. Discovering treatment approaches like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can offer hope and relief for a large majority of patients. 

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Eating Disorders

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Conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder can affect not just physical health but mental well-being too. Someone with an eating disorder might experience dramatic weight loss, appear uncomfortable eating around others, and/or have low self-esteem, affecting their normal eating habits. If you or someone close to you is suffering from an eating disorder, recognizing the role of societal pressures is crucial in supporting recovery. 

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Finding Treatment

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Finding treatment can often be daunting, whether you or a loved one is suffering from a mental illness. At Better Balance, we offer a variety of effective treatment options for all kinds of mental disorders.

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Dr. Hendleman, a veteran focused on helping others, including service members, specializes in treating all of the above-named mental disorders. He is a leading provider of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), which is used to effectively treat disorders such as depression, OCD, and Nicotine abuse with repetitive magnetic pulses. Learn more about TMS here. 

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Joey Farnsworth, a therapist who specializes in treating disorders such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks, is well-versed in finding a solution that works with your symptoms, no matter your age, profession, or severity of your disorder. Learn more about Joey’s specialties and background.

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One of our newest therapists at Better Balance, Alex Magre, specializes in treating mood disorders with a tailored approach. Alex enjoys working with individuals of all ages and helps them find hope within themselves. He is also fluent in French and currently offers sessions in the language. To learn more about all of our therapists, please visit our website. 

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We recently added a new marriage and family therapist to our Better Balance team. Anne Schwab is excited to join us in September 2023 and begin taking on new clients. At Better Balance, she’s excited about the collaborative approach to therapy, as she believes that the best treatment is a combination of medication and therapy. Learn more about Anne here. 

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Contact our office today to find out if Joey, Alex, Anne, or Dr. Hendleman would be a good fit for you!

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Conclusion

Understanding the diverse range of mental illnesses is a vital step toward compassion, empathy, and breaking the stigma. At Better Balance Psychiatry, we’re dedicated to providing support, guidance, and evidence-based treatment for individuals navigating these challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, remember that seeing professional help is a sign of strength. Reach out today to take the first step toward better mental well-being for a positive future!