People
who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings and
behaviors. They feel good about themselves and have good relationships. They can
keep problems in perspective.
It's important to remember that people who have good emotional
health sometimes have emotional problems or mental illness. Mental illness often
has a physical cause, such as a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stress and
problems with family, work or school can sometimes trigger mental illness or
make it worse. However, people who are emotionally healthy have learned ways to
cope with stress and problems. They know when they need to seek help from their
doctor or a counselor.
"Mood Disorders" are the most common groupings of psychiatric
disorders. The primary symptom is that of changed affect or mood. These mood
disorders may be bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression), in which
the person swings between extreme high and low moods, or depression in which the
person has persistent low moods. The medical cause is attributed to chemical
imbalances or structural defects that disrupt normal brain processing. The most
common affective disorder is depression.
Depression
Depression is a mental illness marked by feelings of profound
sadness and lack of interest in activities. Depression is not the same as a blue
mood. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with the ability to function
and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both
physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with
depression rarely recover without treatment.
Depression cuts across gender, race, and ethnicity.
A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue
mood.
It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition
that can be willed or wished away.
People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull
themselves together" and get better.
Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months,
or years.
Treatment can help most people who suffer from
depression.
Feeling sad, blue, or hopeless?
Lost interest in things you used to enjoy?
Body aches and pains with no known physical cause?
Try our confidential online
depression screening program
Bipolar disorder results in extreme swings in mood, energy,
and ability to function. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more dramatic
than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships and cause poor job or
school performance. Bipolar disorder can be treated. Contact your doctor if you
think you may have this condition.
The two extremes of the illness are mania and depression. In
mania, energy peaks. The mood may be overly happy or irritable. In depression,
lethargy takes over. The mood may be very blue.
The cause of bipolar disorder is not known. This condition
tends to run in families. Specific genes may play a role. It is most likely many
different genes that act together.
Mood swings from very high to extreme lows?
Acting in a way that is reckless, foolish or
risky?
So irritable that you shout at people and start
arguments?
Try our confidential online
bipolar disorder screening program
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes chronic, exaggerated
worrying and anxiety about everyday life. Everyone worries at times, but people
with GAD can never relax and usually anticipate the worst. The intensity and
pervasiveness of their worry interferes with normal functioning at school, work,
and in their relationships. The worrying is often not related to anything in
particular. Instead, each day provokes tension and anxiety.
People with GAD often worry excessively about health, family,
work, or money. The worry is so severe that it interferes with their ability to
live their lives. The anxiety can also progress to the point where people "worry
about worrying." GAD usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but can also
start in early adulthood. It is not unusual for GAD to start after age 20.
Can't stop worrying?
Restless and on-edge?
Experiencing muscle pain, headaches, or stomach
problems?
Try our confidential online
generalized anxiety disorder screening program
Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder
that develops after a traumatic event. PTSD has also been called shell shock or
battle fatigue.
The exact cause of PTSD is unknown. PTSD is triggered by
exposure to a traumatic event, but not everyone who experiences a traumatic
event will develop PTSD.
Situations in which a person feels intense fear,
helplessness, or horror are considered traumatic.
Experienced or witnessed a traumatic or violent
event?
Having nightmares, flashbacks?
Feeling emotional numbness?
Try our confidential online
post-traumatic stress screening program
Mental Illness in the Family ... Recognizing the Warning Signs
In adults:
confused thinking
prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
feelings of extreme highs and lows
excessive fears, worries and anxieties
social withdrawal
dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
strong feelings of anger
delusions or hallucinations
growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
suicidal thoughts
denial of obvious problems
numerous unexplained physical ailments
substance abuse
In older children and pre-adolescents:
substance abuse
inability to cope with problems and daily activities
change in sleeping and/or eating habits
excessive complaints of physical ailments
defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
intense fear of weight gain
prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of
death
frequent outbursts of anger
In younger children:
changes in school performance
poor grades despite strong efforts
excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)
hyperactivity
persistent nightmares
persistent disobedience or aggression
frequent temper tantrums
More Resources
The following additional resources may be helpful when learning about Your
Emotional Health:
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People
who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings and
behaviors. They feel good about themselves and have good relationships. They can
keep problems in perspective.
