Mental illness affects 57 million Americans, comprising over twenty-two percent of the population. According to the CDC, mental illness refers to conditions that impact a person’s thinking, feelings, mood, or behavior. The five most frequently seen mental illnesses are anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Anxiety is the most common, affecting twenty percent of adults, followed by depression, which affects eight percent. Given their prevalence, this article focuses on anxiety and depression.
MENTAL HEALTH FACTORS
Understanding the factors contributing to mental illness is crucial. While genes and family history play significant roles, additional variables can lead to mental illness. These include life experiences (such as childhood stress or abuse), biological factors, traumatic brain injury, prenatal exposure, substance abuse, coping with chronic illnesses, and isolation. Many people are diagnosed with mental illness at some point in their lives.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing mental illnesses involves obtaining a medical history, conducting a physical exam that includes lab work to rule out underlying conditions, and performing a psychological evaluation. Psychological evaluations often occur in primary care settings and include screening questionnaires. Commonly used questionnaires are the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ). These tools are available online for self-screening, but a primary care provider should evaluate scoring.
ANXIETY
Characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes, anxiety can impair an individual’s ability to work, attend school, and function in social situations, interfering with personal relationships. Physical symptoms of anxiety include an elevated pulse, palpitations, chest pain, hyperventilation, increased sweating, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, tingling in the face or extremities, and lightheadedness. It is not uncommon for individuals to present to emergency departments with chest pain only to be diagnosed with anxiety after evaluation.
Coping with anxiety involves self-care, such as maintaining good sleep hygiene, following a balanced diet, staying adequately hydrated, avoiding caffeine, journaling, practicing relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, engaging in hobbies, physical activity, cognitive behavior therapy, and counseling. While some anxiety can motivate task completion, excessive stress can impair daily living. It is interesting to note that women have a higher rate of anxiety disorders than men. When self-care and other interventions fail, or excessive worry persists, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. Prescription medications for generalized anxiety disorder, combined with lifestyle changes and therapy, can help manage anxiety and improve overall well-being.
DEPRESSION
Depression affects nearly ten percent of the US population, with women being more likely to be diagnosed than men. An estimated 21 million adults have experienced at least one episode of depression. Symptoms include little interest or pleasure in routine activities, feeling down or hopeless, trouble sleeping, fatigue, low energy, poor appetite or overeating, concentration issues, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
Depression can coexist with other physical illnesses and lead to insomnia, low libido, increased stress hormones, and appetite changes, potentially causing weight fluctuations. Hormonal changes, particularly those related to perimenopause and menopause, can increase women’s risk of depression. Additionally, low testosterone is also associated with mood disorders in some men. Clinical depression may be treated with psychotherapy and medication, but hormone replacement therapy may also benefit both women and men. Adjunct treatments include daily sunlight, exercise, sleep hygiene, a balanced diet, massage therapy, and engaging in enjoyable activities.
SELF-CARE
Effective management of anxiety and depression includes self-care, good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, staying hydrated, balanced nutrition to maintain stable blood sugar levels, and evaluating and addressing stressors.
Good sleep hygiene is critical for improving mood and cognitive function, as poor sleep patterns are common contributors to mental illness. Recommendations for getting a good night’s sleep include using the bed only for sleep and sex, avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bed, steering clear of stimulating activities such as watching TV or using cell phones before bedtime, creating a calming and cool sleep environment, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. These approaches can enhance well-being and quality of life by promoting overall mental health.
SEEK GUIDANCE
Increased awareness and proactive intervention are essential for reducing the impact of mental health issues and improving outcomes. A comprehensive understanding and management approach are crucial as mental health concerns continue to rise. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of a mood disorder, seeking medical care is critical. A primary care provider can screen, assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness within the primary care setting.
In conclusion, mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, significantly impact a large portion of the American population. As society becomes more aware of the importance of mental health, comprehensive approaches to understanding, managing, and supporting those affected by mental illness will become increasingly vital. Mental health professionals and primary care providers play crucial roles in diagnosing and treating these conditions, and their involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues. We can work towards a healthier, more understanding society by fostering a supportive environment and promoting mental health awareness.
Phillips Medical Clinic
613 Lexington Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas
479.242.9797 I PhillipsMedicalClinic.com
