Mental Health Conditions

Oftentimes, we pay more attention to physical health but we ignore one fact. That health is a state of both physical and mental well-being (World Health Organization). Here at NuLife Behavioral Health, mental health is just as important as physical health. Still, it often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. But it should be because it plays a huge role in our well-being and is implicated in major problems like addiction (National Institute of Mental Health). If anything, mental health and addiction are deeply connected.

Studies show that 50% of people with a substance use disorder also experience a mental health condition (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

A mental disorder is a clinically recognized condition that affects cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, interfering with daily life, relationships, and productivity (American Psychological Association). Mental health conditions can stem from genetics, environmental factors, trauma, and even substance abuse (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

What are the most common mental health conditions? Here are five.

Mental Health Conditions

What are the odds that you or someone close to you is suffering from a mental health condition? How do you know what to look out for in case any of them pop up?

Here are a few prevalent disorders:

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is more normalized than any other condition on this list. It is a casual feeling that just pops up once in a while when you have to do something important. But for some people, it is way more than that. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear or worry.

As of 2019, over 301 million people worldwide live with some form of anxiety disorder (World Health Organization). People who have chronic anxiety have trouble making the simplest of decisions without symptoms like rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. In terms of types, some of the disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder (National Institute of Mental Health).

Depression

Yes, depression is more than just feeling sad. Depression is a persistent low mood over a long period. It affects energy levels, appetite, sleep, and self-esteem. And worse, if left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences, including suicidal thoughts.

When a person is depressed, they feel sad, irritable, or empty (National Alliance on Mental Illness). They also feel a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for a long time. It could be hours, days, or even up to a month. It comes up second after anxiety with just about 293 million people being affected (World Health Organization).

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder simply means when a person has dramatic shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. At times, they have episodes of mania or elevated mood, and they alternate with periods of depression when they feel low (American Psychiatric Association).

Bipolar disorder often disrupts daily life because it feels like an on-and-off switch between high and low moods. People who have it do not have a lot of people who understand how to navigate it. So, they often feel isolated.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD usually happens after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness. The condition is overwhelming, and it usually requires a specialized form of therapy. PTSD affects approximately 3.6% of the global population annually (American Psychological Association)

Mental health conditions suck. They derail the quality of life of anyone who has them. And they open the door to worse conditions like addiction. When a mental health condition and addiction co-occur, it is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

For instance, someone with untreated depression might turn to substances for relief. This leads to dependence. Conversely, prolonged substance use can trigger or worsen mental health issues (National Institute on Drug Abuse). So it is an all-round downside for anyone who is affected.

Many times, you can sort of tell that your mental health is suffering. But if that is not the case, If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional support:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Intense fear or worry that disrupts daily life
• Difficulty managing anger or stress
• Use of substances to cope with emotions
• Withdrawal from loved ones and activities
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)

Acknowledging the need for help is a courageous step. At Nulife Behavioral Health, we make seeking support seamless and welcoming. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or a dual diagnosis, we’re here to guide you toward healing and recovery. We prioritize integrated treatment plans, simultaneously offering mental health and addiction support.

• Licensed Mental Health Professionals: Our team includes psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and licensed therapists specializing in co-occurring disorders.
• Evidence-Based Treatment: We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for comprehensive care.
• Accreditation & Recognition: We are accredited by The Joint Commission, a leading healthcare quality certification body.

Contact us today to learn about our programs and how we can help you regain control of your life.