Are you worried about someone who might be suffering from a mental illness? Or perhaps you’re worried about your mental health? Major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rarely appear “out of the blue.” Most often people recognize that something’s not quite right about one’s thinking, feelings, or behavior before one of these illnesses appears in its full-blown form. Being informed about developing symptoms, or early warning signs can lead to intervention that can help reduce the severity of an illness. It may even be possible to delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether. So to help you with that, here are a few common warning signs of a mental illness.
DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional guidance, advice, treatment, or diagnosis. We recommend you to reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional if you or someone you know are struggling.
We also made a video on the warning signs your mental health is getting worse:
Writer: Syazwana Amirah
Script Editor: Vanessa Tao
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice: Amanda Silvera www.youtube.com/AmandaSilvera
Animator: Fluffy Starlaxy
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong
Edited by: Brian Fransis Moniaga
References:
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American Psychiatric Association (n.d.). Warning Signs of Major Mental Illnesses. Retrieved May 5, 2021, from
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Goldsmith, B. (2021, March 03). A life without pleasure: The pain of anhedonia. Retrieved May 05, 2021, from
Hyde J, Mezulis A, Abramson L (2008). The ABCs of depression: Integrating affective, biological, and cognitive models to explain the emergence of the gender difference in depression. Psychol Rev. 115:291–313
Legg, T. J., & Silver, N. (2019, December 5). What Can Cause Rapid Shifts in Mood? Retrieved May 5, 2021, from
Markman, A. (2016, November 21). How do people explain puzzling behaviors? Retrieved May 05, 2021, from
Rubin KH, Coplan RJ, Bowker JC. (2009). Social withdrawal in childhood. In: Annual Review of Psychology. Vol. 60. Palo Alto: Annual Reviews; pp. 141-171.
Saitō T. (1998). Shaikaiteki hikikomori: Owaranaishishunk [Hikikomori: Adolescence without end]. Tokyo: PHP Kenkyuujo.
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Schulte-Körne, G. (2016, March 18). Mental health problems in a school setting in children and adolescents. Retrieved May 05, 2021, from#R21
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Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder
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Treatment For Major Depressive Disorder
Most major depression treatment occurs in an outpatient or office setting, where people can attend sessions whenever they wish. This is more cost-effective and flexible than inpatient care. Each intensive outpatient or inpatient program has a different structure. An intensive program may last for thirty days or more, requiring five to eight hours a day. However, you should not substitute these therapies for medical treatment. They are not a cure for depression. For more information about different treatment methods, read on.
A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) requires the presence of specific symptoms. These include a persistent low mood and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. The depressed person is also likely to have other conditions, including substance abuse or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Other symptoms may also include a heightened appetite or an increase in body weight. Research also indicates that female adolescents are more likely to suffer from depression than their male counterparts. Some biological factors may contribute to this.
While the most common type of depression treatment is antidepressant medication, other forms of therapy are also effective. A trained therapist can help you decide which treatment is right for you. Using online search engines or recommendations from friends and family, you can find a therapist who specializes in treating depression. Group therapy is also beneficial for some patients, while family therapy and couples therapy are for others. Group therapy can help people who suffer from depression connect with each other and work toward a common goal.
If you suspect you may be depressed, it’s important to seek medical help. Many primary care doctors are trained to diagnose depression. Your doctor may even screen you during routine check-ups. If your symptoms worsen, ask your doctor or seek out a psychiatrist. In any case, it’s best to seek medical care as soon as possible. It can be challenging, but with the right treatment, you can overcome depression. You can take steps to overcome your symptoms and live a happy, fulfilled life.
Other ways to treat depression include exercise, meditation, and regular sleep. These measures can reduce the symptoms of depression, but medications are not always the best solution. In many cases, exercise and counseling are just as effective as antidepressant medications, and they don’t carry undesirable side effects. Whenever possible, a combination of lifestyle changes and medication is most effective. But if you are unsure whether depression treatment is right for you, talk to your family physician and request a comprehensive evaluation.
A comprehensive mental illness, depression affects one’s mood, feelings, and thoughts. It can even interfere with one’s work, relationships, and school. If left untreated, depression can affect one’s daily life to the point that the sufferer may attempt to harm himself or self. This may even lead to a suicide attempt. If you are considering suicide, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. When treatment is effective, depression will go away.
