When Things Do Not Feel Right: Getting Mental Health Help

Darlene sat at her desk, her mind not on the task at hand. She glanced out the window, knowing she needed to get to work before her boss caught her daydreaming again, but her focus wasn’t there. Her insides felt like they were swirling into a pit of despair, and she couldn’t put her finger on why, no matter how hard she tried.

Darlene knew something was off, but she could not identify it. She knew she no longer had any desire to hang out with her friends or watch her favorite movies. She could barely sleep, but she was tired all the time. She had gained twenty pounds over winter.

Some people might shrug this behavior off and assume Darlene was having a bad month or two. But what if it was something more? What if the blues Darlene felt was a more severe condition such as depression?

Mental health is critical for our physical, emotional, and spiritual health; it is all interconnected. Learn how to identify the difference between normal mental health and mental disorders and how to find mental health help.

Mental Health vs Mental Disorders Explained

Our mental health affects the psychological and emotional aspects of our lives. When your mental health is off and you seem to be battling your thoughts and emotions, it can create internal issues and manifest into physical conditions.

A mental disorder can develop for various reasons such as a chemical imbalance, neurotransmitter problems, trauma or abuse, genetics, or family history. A mental illness changes the way you think, your beliefs, emotions, and behaviors. Your moods can swing high or extremely low. You may engage in high-risk behaviors or shun people entirely. You may stay fearful, hide behind a façade, or become angry and violent.

Mental disorders are treatable and manageable, but often, you will need to take the first step by getting mental health help. You were made for freedom. Jesus Christ died and rose again so that you could be free from the chains of sin and the burdens of mental conditions.

He helped man discover techniques and medications to overcome disorders and live victoriously. Finding a Christian therapist to help you learn how your brain works and how to overcome the symptoms of a mental illness will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Common Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders can feel like you are locked in a battle with your mind and emotions as if someone has taken control of your internal wheel. It does not have to feel like that. Mental health help is only a phone call or click away.

The following is a list of some of the most common mental health disorders.

Depression

Depression can hit like a Mack truck. It almost feels like an enemy slowly crept behind you and quickly covered your head. The persistent sadness can go on for weeks and months as you disconnect from the things and people you once enjoyed and loved.

Depressive disorders can lead to distorted thinking and suicidal ideations, which is why it is critical to get mental health help if you believe depression has you in its grip.

Anxiety

Anxiety can exist on its own or accompany other disorders like depression. It brings worries, fears, rapid heart rate, quick and shallow breathing, high blood pressure, chronic state of stress and inflammation, and panic attacks.

Anxiety can stop you in your tracks and make you isolate yourself from others. It can make communication difficult, and you are less likely to try new things or take risks in any area of your life, including relationships and career. Although fear may be unwarranted, anxiety makes you believe the fear is real and tangible.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are more common than many people realize, with anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating becoming more of an issue, especially during the preteen, teen, and young adult years. Eating disorders, if left untreated, can be fatal. As young children compare themselves to others in real life or on social media, they may begin to lean toward society’s current body image ideal.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder can also develop in which the sufferer’s perception of their body does not align with reality; they may see themselves as overweight when they are, in fact, underweight.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What used to be known as Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) has now been rolled into Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) even if no hyperactivity is present. The main symptom of ADHD is the inability to concentrate or focus on tasks for an extended period.

Fidgeting, disorganization, and forgetfulness often develop with ADHD. The onset may appear during childhood, but some adults still deal with symptoms that interfere with their studies, jobs, and relationships.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) does not only affect Veterans from wars. Trauma of any type can trigger PTSD symptoms, including experiencing nightmares, night terrors, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts and memories.

Researchers have found that people with PTSD respond well to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for short-term and long-term PTSD symptoms. CBT helps to identify the thoughts and behaviors centering around the traumatic event and reframe the thoughts resulting in different emotions and actions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Most people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as organizing the pantry to the extreme. However, OCD has many types, including obsessive cleaning and handwashing, repeating patterns, hoarding behaviors, and negative and violent thoughts. These behaviors cause problems in relationships, jobs, and social circles.

Seeking the help of a therapist for OCD can help you identify the type of behavior and customize a treatment plan for your case. More than two million people in the US experience OCD, with many diagnosed before age 35. It is not uncommon for older people to be diagnosed later in life, especially if they never sought treatment for their symptoms in the past.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is also referred to as Manic Depression because it brings about high highs and low lows. Someone with bipolar behavior may work at top-notch speed for weeks or months, full of energy and productivity. But when the manic stage hits, they may become depressed, lethargic, withdrawn, or suicidal. This stage can also last for weeks or months.

People are typically diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder during their teen or young adult years. However, some never seek treatment until later in life when their behavior has caused failed relationships, ruined businesses, or job losses. Bipolar Disorder is manageable with proper treatment.

Personality disorders

Personality Disorders stem from unhealthy and distorted thinking and behaviors. Someone with a personality disorder may have trouble relating to others and showing compassion or empathy.

There are several types of Personality Disorders: dependent, paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, avoidant, obsessive-compulsive (not OCD), histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial. Treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the personality disorder and your circumstances.

Psychotic disorders

Psychotic disorders are considered the scariest of mental health conditions by many due to the loss of reality and the onset of delusions and hallucinations. Someone with a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia experiences abnormal perceptions and beliefs.

This new perception is strong and feels real. The person may believe that the world is out to get them and that they are the only ones to see the truth. Psychotic disorders require treatment as early as possible to manage the condition.

Getting Mental Health Help

Seeking mental health help used to have a stigma attached and people who desperately needed help were afraid of what others would think if they sought treatment. With recent research into mental disorders and advanced psychological therapies, more and more people are overcoming mental conditions.

If you suspect you or a loved one is in a battle with mind and emotions, reach out to a therapist today. A faith-based therapist can create a customized health plan with evidence-backed techniques and biblical principles to assist you in resuming control and building your faith.

Contact a therapist for mental health help and take control today.