Mental Health

When a loved one shows signs of a mood disorder like bipolar disorder, he or she acts out in ways that family members do not always understand. In some cases, a loved one uses drugs or alcohol as a coping strategy or worsens the symptoms of bipolar disorder by abusing a substance. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness1, almost 50 percent of men and women with a severe form of bipolar disorder and 33 percent of all individuals with a mental health disorder abuse drugs or alcohol.

People with a substance addiction often have another co-occurring mental illness, known as a dual diagnosis. Many treatment programs involve treating each part of the dual diagnosis separately, which studies show may not be optimal. Some addiction treatment centers may refer the patient to another facility for mental health care. Others lack the knowledge and tools to treat both disorders, limiting the patient's prognosis. Research continues to examine the complex mechanisms behind co-occurring disorders. While each case is unique, many factors can improve your loved one's chances of recovery.

Sleep is an essential part of maintaining a healthy mind and body. When you are not sleeping enough or when the quality of your sleep is poor, you have a higher risk of developing cognitive challenges. According to Web MD (1), lack of sleep actually hinders or harms your ability to think clearly and to maintain a healthy state of mind. As a result, it contributes to mental health disorders or worsens certain symptoms associated with a disorder.

The complexity of substance abuse stems from the primary causes that contribute to an addiction. Schizophrenia and related mental health disorders often complicate the treatment process because the disorder contributes to addiction. The National Institutes of Health (1) state that nearly half of the men and women with schizophrenia also abuse drugs or alcohol throughout their lifetime. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a dual diagnosis helps identify the right treatment program for a loved one or for personal recovery goals.

There are a number of personality disorders that people suffer from, two of which are Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder. So what are personality disorders exactly? Personality disorders describe ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that contribute to the way a person interacts with the world.  Unlike other psychiatric disorders (e.g. mood disorders & anxiety) that may vary significantly over time, personality characteristics are less flexible.  Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Histrionic Personality Disorder are two of the ten personality disorder diagnoses listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  Although people with these diagnoses share several characteristics, there are important differences between these disorders.

Borderline disorder is one of the most difficult mental health disorders to both diagnose and treat. This is because there are a number of possible causes and each one requires a different treatment. It is thought that this disorder affects 2% of the overall population and is most prevalent in females. Many patients begin showing signs of the disorder in early adulthood with symptoms decreasing with age.

One of the primary causes of addiction is an underlying mental health disorder. While there are a variety of mental health conditions that can lead to addiction, bipolar is one of the most common.

There are many types of mental health conditions that may have negative effects on your life and the lives of those around you. Avoidant Personality Disorder is one such mental health condition. This condition may cause you to avoid social settings due to the fear of rejection. Diagnosing Avoidant Personality Disorder (AVPD) requires a mental health professional to make a formal diagnosis. If you feel you or a loved one is suffering from this condition, you should know a few things.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions among individuals. There is a variety of causes for anxiety disorders from injuries to past events in your life. If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, getting the treatment you need can help you get your life back.

If you have a family history of mental illness, you may be concerned about passing this condition on to your child. Maybe you want to familiarize yourself with mental illnesses and what they look like. There is good news for expecting mothers who plan to breastfeed. In addition to the overall health benefits of breastfeeding, recent studies have shown that breastfeeding can actually help lower the risk of mental illness in children. Learn more:

If you are suffering from drug or alcohol addiction, you may also have an underlying mental health issue. One of the most common causes of addiction is untreated depression. You may be turning to drugs or alcohol to help manage your depression symptoms. This leads to a cycle of addiction that can only be stopped by getting the proper professional treatment.

If you have been suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction, chances are, some form of mental health concern such as depression or anxiety helps fuel your condition. Unresolved issues and even daily life takes a toll on our minds as well as our body. If you have found yourself turning to drugs and alcohol as a way to tune out the stressors of daily life, it is time to take a new approach. Mindfulness meditation provides many benefits on your mental health including helping you to overcome your addictions and live a peaceful and sober life.