What is Mental Health? Mental health key things to know

What are mental health issues?

Your mental health affects your quality of life. When you’re experiencing mental health issues, you can have problems in your relationships, at work, or in school. Mental health issues are common, affecting tens of millions of Americans of all ages every year.

The broad range of mental health conditions include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Substance abuse or addiction disorders

• Autism spectrum disorder

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Eating disorders

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Panic attacks

• Other mental health issues include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, phobias, and mood disorders.

What are the signs of mental health issues?

The symptoms of mental health conditions vary, depending on the specific issue. Common signs to look for include:

• Feelings of sadness or the blues

• Trouble concentrating

• Extreme worries, fears, or guilt

• Extreme mood swings

• Withdrawing from family, friends, and activities

• Feeling tired or lacking energy

• Difficulty sleeping

• Delusions or paranoia

• Major changes in your eating habits

• Feeling unable to cope with the problems of daily life

• Abusing alcohol or drugs

• Changing interest in sex

• Feelings excessively anger or harboring violent thoughts

• Suicidal thinking

• A mental health issue can cause physical symptoms, such as unexplained aches and pains in your head, stomach, back, or elsewhere.

How are mental health problems diagnosed?

At Family Tree Medical Group, your practitioner looks at all of your signs and symptoms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. They can recommend:

• A physical exam: to check for physical problems that might be causing your symptoms

• Lab tests: to screen for substance abuse or check your thyroid

• Screenings: to evaluate your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

Your provider can recommend other tests, based on the findings of your initial exam.

How are mental health problems treated?

Your treatment is based on the form of mental health issue you have. Your practitioner at Family Tree Medical Group tailors a treatment plan that’s right for you. This can include medications or therapy, a combination of these, and other treatments. The goal is to ensure all of your mental health, medical, and emotional needs are being met so you feel like yourself again.