Mental Illness

“Examples of mental illness include depression,
anxiety disorders, schizophrenia,
eating disorders and addictive behaviors”.1

Umbrella
What may the Mental Illness Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Mental Disorders
  • Mental Health Conditions/Disorders/Problems
  • Mental Ill Health
  • Mental Illness/Illnesses

Definition

What is mental illness?

DotS the definition of mental illness may vary. The (United States) National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) definition is:

“A mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood”.2

In Mental Health Conditions the NAMI also explain:

“NAMI recognizes that other organizations have drawn distinctions between what diagnoses are considered “mental health conditions” as opposed to “mental illnesses.” We intentionally use the terms “mental health conditions” and “mental illness/es” interchangeably”.3

Types

What are different types of mental illness?

DotS these may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic explain:

“Mental illness, also called mental health disorders, refers to a wide range of mental health conditions — disorders that affect your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors”.4

In Mental Health Conditions the NAMI include:

  • “Anxiety Disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD]
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Psychosis
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
  • Schizophrenia”.5

Women

Can mental illness affect women and men differently?

Yes. In Women and Mental Health: Overview the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) elaborate on:

Mental Illness

“Mental disorders can affect women and men differently. Some disorders are more common in women such as depression and anxiety. There are also certain types of disorders that are unique to women. For example, some women may experience symptoms of mental disorders at times of hormone change, such as perinatal depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and perimenopause-related depression”.6

In Women and Mental Health: Overview the NIMH also note:

“When it comes to other mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, research has not found differences in the rates at which men and women experience these illnesses. But women may experience these illnesses differently – certain symptoms may be more common in women than in men, and the course of the illness can be affected by the sex of the individual. Researchers are only now beginning to tease apart the various biological and psychosocial factors that may impact the mental health of both women and men”.7

Signs and Symptoms

Can signs and symptoms of mental illness vary?

In Mental Illness: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.

Examples of signs and symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad or down
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
  • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
  • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and to people
  • Problems with alcohol or drug abuse
  • Major changes in eating habits
  • Sex drive changes
  • Excessive anger, hostility or violence
  • Suicidal thinking

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains”.8

Cause

What may cause mental illness?

In Mental Health Conditions the NAMI explain:

“A mental health condition isn’t the result of one event. Research suggests multiple, linking causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too”.9

Common or Not

How common is mental illness?

In the United States according to the NAMI in Individuals With Mental Illness:

“If you have a mental health condition, you’re not alone. One in 5 American adults experiences some form of mental illness in any given year. And across the population, 1 in every 20 adults is living with a serious mental health condition such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or long-term recurring major depression”.10

In the United Kingdom according to the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) in What Are Mental Health Problems? Mental Health Problems Are Very Common:

“As found by the APMS (2014), 1 in 6 people in the past week experienced a common mental health problem.

Anxiety and depression are the most common problems, with around 1 in 10 people affected at any one time”.11

What is APMS?

APMS can be an abbreviation for Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey.

Treatment

How may mental illness treated?

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“Your treatment depends on the type of mental illness you have, its severity and what works best for you. In many cases, a combination of treatments works best.

If you have a mild mental illness with well-controlled symptoms, treatment from your primary care provider may be sufficient. However, often a team approach is appropriate to make sure all your psychiatric, medical and social needs are met. This is especially important for severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia”.12

Online Resources, Programs and Apps

Are online mental illness resources, programs and Apps available?

DotC (Depending on the Country) online resources, programs and apps may be available.

Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your country’s recommended online mental illness resources, programs and Apps similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources.

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have a mental illness?

If you think you have a mental illness, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Finding A Mental Health Professional the NIMH elaborate on:

“The most important step in treating a mental health condition sometimes feels like a challenging one: finding a mental health professional. A trustworthy and knowledgeable mental health professional will be a valuable ally. It may take a little time and persistence to locate this ally or assemble a team of allies. Following the plan below can increase the chance of finding someone whom you feel comfortable working with.

  • Step 1: Think About Whom You’re Looking For…
  • Step 2: Gather Referrals…
  • Step 3: Make the Call…
  • Step 4: Ask Questions…
  • Step 5: Build A Relationship…”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Mental Illness?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Mental Illness?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

  1. A To Z
  2. Alcohol and Mental Health
  3. Anxiety
  4. Anxiety: What You Need To Know
  5. Beyondblue.org.au
  6. Common With Mental Illness
  7. Creating Healthy Routines
  8. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
  9. Diet and Mental Health
  10. Eliminating Toxic Influences
  11. Embracementalhealth.org.au [Embrace Multicultural Mental Health, Australia]
  12. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  13. Find Support Groups
  14. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  15. Finding Help: Where To Get It and Where To Go
  16. Finding Mental Health Care That Fits Your Cultural Background
  17. Finding the Right Mental Health Care for You
  18. For People With Mental Health Problems
  19. Frequently Asked Questions
  20. Get Help Now [United States]
  21. Get Immediate Help [United States]
  22. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  23. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  24. Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Head [Australia]
  25. Health Topics: Mental Disorders and Related Disorders
  26. Help for Fears and Phobias
  27. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  28. How Right Now Mental Illness
  29. How To Get Mental Health Help [United States]
  30. How To Improve Mental Health
  31. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  32. How To Overcome Fear and Anxiety
  33. If You or Someone You Know Is In Crisis and Needs Immediate Help
  34. Individuals With Mental Illnesses
  35. Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
  36. List of CAM Treatments
  37. Live Your Life Well: The 10 Tools
  38. LiveB4Stage4
  39. Looking After Your Mental Health
  40. Mental Disorders
  41. Mental Health
  42. Mental Health
  43. Mental Health
  44. Mental Health
  45. Mental Health Awareness Week [United Kingdom]
  46. Mental Health Conditions
  47. Mental Health Information
  48. Mental Health Medications
  49. Mental Health Month 2021 [May, United States] May Is Mental Illness
  50. Mental Health Providers: Tips on Finding One
  51. Mental Health [Australia]
  52. Mental Health and Relationships
  53. Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not
  54. Mental Illness: Symptoms & Causes
  55. Mentalhealth.gov [MentalHealth.gov United States]
  56. Mentalhealth.org.uk [Mental Health Foundation, United Kingdom]
  57. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]: Your First Stop for Better Mental Health At Work
  58. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  59. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  60. Mindfulness
  61. Multicultural People
  62. Nami.org [National Alliance on Mental Illness, United States]
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 7 Things To Know About Complementary Health Approaches for Anxiety
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Mental Health
  69. National Institute of Mental Health [United States]
  70. Owning Your Feelings Owning Your Feelings
  71. Physical Activity and Your Mental Health
  72. Prevention of Substance Use and Mental Disorders
  73. Recognizing Warning Signs and How To Cope
  74. Recovery & Support
  75. Recovery Is Possible
  76. Resilience Training
  77. Rethink.org [Rethink Mental Illness, United Kingdom]
  78. Samaritans.org
  79. Samhsa.gov [SAMHSA: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
  80. Sane.org: People Like Us [Sane Australia]
  81. Stories
  82. Stress and Coping
  83. Support From A Health Professional
  84. Taking Care of Your Emotional Well-Being
  85. Telehealth: Health Care From the Safety of Our Homes
  86. Timetochange.org [Time To Change, United Kingdom]
  87. Types of Talking Therapies
  88. Types of Talking Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  89. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist & Counsellor?
  90. Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
  91. Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  92. Warning Signs and Symptoms
  93. Warning Signs of Mental Illness
  94. What Are Mental Health Problems?
  95. What Is Mental Health?
  96. Who Can Assist
  97. Women and Mental Health
  98. Workplace Mental Health and Wellness
  99. World Mental Health Day 2021 October 10th: Mental Health In An Unequal World
  100. World Mental Health Day 2021 – Mental Health Care for All: Let’s Make It A Reality

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted:

Sources

  1. Mental Illness: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 08 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968 Accessed: 25 January 2022
  2. Mental Health Conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions Accessed: 25 January 2022
  3. Mental Health Conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions Accessed: 25 January 2022
  4. Mental Illness: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 08 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968 Accessed: 25 January 2022
  5. Mental Health Conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions Accessed: 25 January 2022
  6. Women and Mental Health: Overview. Last Revised: May 2019. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health/index.shtml Accessed: 25 January 2022
  7. Women and Mental Health: Overview. Last Revised: May 2019. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health/index.shtml Accessed: 25 January 2022
  8. Mental Illness: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 08 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968 Accessed: 25 January 2022
  9. Mental Health Conditions. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions Accessed: 25 January 2022
  10. Individuals With Mental Illness. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-Mental-Illness Accessed: 25 January 2022
  11. What Are Mental Health Problems? Mental Health Problems Are Very Common. Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/about-mental-health/what-are-mental-health-problems Accessed: 25 January 2022
  12. Mental Illness: Diagnosis & Treatment – Treatment. 08 June 2019. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374974 Accessed: 25 January 2022
  13. Finding A Mental Health Professional. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-Mental-Illness/Finding-a-Mental-Health-Professional Accessed: 25 January 2022

Topic Last Updated: 25 January 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 25 January 2022
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