Emotional disorders refer to a broad range of mental conditions that affect a person’s behavior, thinking, and mood. Examples include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviors.
Most people have mental health problems from time to time, but that problem becomes an illness when the ongoing symptoms and signs cause frequent stress and affect the ability to function. Most of the time, symptoms can be controlled with a combination of medicines and visiting Oklahoma City counseling.
Recognizing the signs of emotional disorders
The signs of mental illness can vary and depends on the disorder, circumstances, and different factors. The symptoms can affect behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Examples of signs of emotional disorders include:
- Extreme mood swings.
- Confused thinking
- Feeling sad or down
- Reduced ability to concentrate
- Tiredness, problems sleeping, or low energy.
- Excessive anger, violence, hostility
- Trouble understanding
- Detachment from reality, hallucinations, or paranoia.
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Sex drive changes
- Suicidal thinking
Children and teens are at risk of emotional distress include those who:
- Lost a loved one or friend in a disaster
- Survived a disaster
- Experienced living arrangements, parental unemployment in a disaster, and loss of personal property.
Most of them just need additional time to feel the world as a safe and protected place again and receive emotional support. The reactions of those teens are strongly influenced by how their parents, friends, and relatives respond to the event.
Many times symptoms can be physical, too, like, back pain, stomach pain, headaches, and other pains and aches.
When should you see a doctor?
When you see any signs and symptoms of a mental illness, it is best to contact a mental health professional because most mental health illnesses do not improve on their own. They can worsen if left untreated over time and cause severe problems.
What to do if you feel suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are common with certain mental illnesses. If you believe you may attempt suicide or hurt yourself, get help right away:
- Contact the suicide hotline. You can call or text 988 and reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day. The chat services are free and confidential.
- Call 911 immediately.
- You can call your close friend or loved one.
If your close ones show signs of mental illness, be open and have honest discussions with them about your concerns. You can not force the person to get professional help, but you can show support and encouragement. You can help them by finding a mental health professional and preparing for an appointment.
