What Are the Leading Causes of Death in the US?
Mental health, described by the World Health Organization as “the state of mind that makes the individual able to function normally in the world”, is an essential component of personal and interpersonal relationships. It includes a person’s ability to know, understand, evaluate, manage and adjust to changes in situations. Mental health is therefore, a state in which a person experiences the ability to perceive, appreciate, share and develop his or her opportunities.
The word “mental” was first used in 1801, from the Greek word “mene”, meaning “mind”. Today, the medical community has come to refer to it as a disorder, while simply indicating a state of mental health. There are many different types of mental disorders, from those that manifest physically to those that affect a person’s thoughts or perceptions (examples include ADD/ADHD, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). In addition, there are many non-clinical mental illnesses that can have similar signs and symptoms. This article provides information on some of the most common mental illnesses. Some of the conditions listed below may be causes for concern for many people, depending upon the experience a loved one has had.
Depression is a psychiatric disorder in which a person suffers severe episodes of sadness or despair, for prolonged periods. Often, these episodes come without warning and can last for weeks, months or even years. Symptoms of depression include the inability to get out of bed, lose interest in activities that he or she used to enjoy, increase the percentage of time spent by sleeping or staying awake, and a drastic change in appetite and weight. If left untreated, the impact on a loved one’s physical and mental health can become very serious.
Bipolar disorder is another leading cause of disability in the United States. Affected individuals have alternating mood swings with feelings of mania and depression. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed when at least one major depressive episode is present. Because symptoms often mimic other mental health disorders, prompt treatment is imperative in order to prevent serious physical health problems.
Anemia is a common physical health problem among those who are diagnosed with either diabetes or anorexia nervosa. A low hemoglobin count is a common indicator of anemia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and poor mental health. A complete blood count will help determine if medical treatment is necessary. Anemia is also a contributing factor to poor mental health because the body does not get enough nutrition.
The above list is not exhaustive. According to the Leading Causes of Death report, the leading causes of death in the United States are heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, suicide, liver disease, chronic liver disease, suicide, traffic accidents, falls, and other non-natural causes. Because mental disorders are a prevalent cause of disability and other health conditions, mental health deserves more attention than it has gotten in the past. There is no question that people living with mental disorders need to feel better, be happier, and healthier, but they need to do so without suffering harmful side effects from their treatments.