HEALTH MIND MATTERS OF THE MIND

There’s nothing crazy about mental illness

Gender And Mental Illness

When it comes to mental illness, there certainly are differences in men and women. Women are more likely to develop anxiety and mood disorders, such as depression. Conversely, men’s mental health issues are more likely to involve antisocial personality and substance abuse disorders. Women tend to internalize their emotions, which leads to withdrawal, loneliness and depression. Men externalize their problems, leading to aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Common Symptoms Of Mental Illness

Emotional: People typically feel sadness, anxiety, guilt, mood swings and hopelessness.

Psychological: People engage in frequent self-criticism, self-blame and pessimism. They also believe others see them in a negative light and have thoughts of death and suicide.

Behavioral: People experience crying spells, withdrawal from others, neglect their responsibilities, lose all motivation and engage in drugs and alcohol.

Physical: People experience chronic fatigue, lack of energy and weight loss, loss of sexual desire and unexplained aches and pains.

SOURCE: cpcwa.org/InformationAndResources/misigns.html

By The Numbers

Mid-20s: the average onset of major depression

18 — the percentage of Americans ages 18-54 who have an anxiety disorder in a given year

Suicide — the leading cause of death in adolescents ages 15 to 24

1 in 5 — the ratio of Americans who suffer from a mental illness each year

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

UNFORTUNATELY, MENTAL ILLNESS IS COMMONLY MISDIAGNOSED

• According to a Michigan State University economist, nearly 1 million children in the United States are misdiagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• One study found that one-fourth of patients who actually have bipolar disorder first were diagnosed with conditions such as depression.

If you feel you may have a mental disorder, you may feel ashamed and embarrassed. After all, there is a stigma attached with mental illness. However, seeking help is of utmost importance. You’re not psycho or crazy; you’re a human being who needs professional medical help, which is no different than a cancer patient.

Shocking Stats

1 in 5 men develop alcohol dependence, compared to 1 in 12 women.

According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, women are 70 percent more likely to suffer from depression than men and 60 percent more likely to report an anxiety disorder. Bipolar disorder is more common in women than men, with a ratio of 3:2, according to the National Comorbidity Study. Four times as many men than women commit suicide.

SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here Are Some Steps To Take

1. Start with your primary care physician. He or she can evaluate you and refer you to a mental health care professional, if necessary.

2. Use anonymous help lines, which help you understand mental health services and put you in touch with organizations that can help you.

3. Talk about your fears and anxieties with a sympathetic friend or family member. It can be liberating to talk with someone about something you perceive as shameful or problematic.

4. When visiting a mental health counselor for the first time, ask a friend to accompany you. This can be quite comforting, especially if you have anxiety problems.

5. Consider attending support groups. Knowing you are not the only one in the world suffering from a problem can bring instant peace of mind. You also can obtain valuable advice about coping mechanisms.