You Are Not Alone

By: Ashley Wilson

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S experience a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities. The most common mental illnesses in the United States are Generalized Anxiety disorders or depression, but there are many other mental disorders that go over looked. This article will provide a brief overview of some other mental illnesses.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- Most people think that OCD is liking to have things neat, clean or organized, but this does not even come close to what this disorder is. The American Psychiatric Association describes OCD as “an anxiety disorder in which time people have unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions).” The constant intrusive thoughts and overwhelming need to complete compulsions that can severely interfere with someone’s daily activities are what sets this disorder apart from people who just like to be clean.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- This disorder occurs when someone goes through a traumatic experience that is dangerous, shocking or scary. All though it is common for someone to feel frightened or scared after a traumatic event, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is diagnosed when symptoms interfere with daily activities or relationships and last for longer than a month.

Eating Disorders- Eating disorders occur when an obsession with the body, weight or food becomes a sever disturbance to one’s health and eating behaviors. The three most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, which is when a person sees themselves as overweight when actually they are underweight and continue to severely restrict their food intake. The next is bulimia nervosa, this occurs when someone binge-eats and then follows that by either vomiting, extreme or excessive use of laxative to maintain what they consider a healthy weight. Binge-eating disorder is the opposite of bulimia and anorexia. While this disorder is severe binging of food, patients do not purge or exercise after eating and typically become overweight or obese. While these three are the most common eating disorder there are many more.( https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders/index.shtml )

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Illness)- The National Institute of Mental Health describes bipolar disorder as “a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.” There are four basic types of bipolar disorder, they include Bipolar I Disorder, Bipolar II Disorder, Cyclothymic Disorder and Other Specified/Unspecified Bipolar/Related Disorders. People suffering from Bipolar disorder experience “mood episodes” where they experience drastic change in activity, sleep and energy.

While these are only a few of the mental illnesses that plague people of all ages in the United State, there are many other disorders. It is important to see a therapist of psychiatrists if you believe that you or a loved one could be suffering from mental illness. You are not alone. There are people out there who are willing to help you and provide the support you need. Listed below are resources to help with mental illness.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline- 1-800-273-8255

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration– 1-800-622-HELP (4357)

-Treatment Referral Helpline

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)