MENTAL ILLNESS | MHA Forsyth

Mental illness is Real,

Common and Treatable!

Requires a diagnosis by a licensed mental health or medical provider

50%

50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14; 75% by age 24

1 in 5

Mental illness affects one in five U.S. adults (approximately 60 million)

25%

Nearly 25% of adults, age 18

and over, living in North Carolina have expressed having symptoms related to depression and/or anxiety

MENTAL ILLNESS DEFINED

Alteration in a person’s thinking, mood and/or behavior. Disruption in a person’s ability to:

Work and carry out daily activities

Deal with life’s everyday stressors

Function in daily life

Engage in satisfying activities and relationships

Click the tabs below to learn about Mental Illness.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

1

Genetics - Often occurs within families

2

Childhood trauma

3

Stressful events/ environment

4

Alcohol and drug use

5

Imbalance in brain chemistry

6

Can be a combination of the above

With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS

This listing of warning signs and symptoms is to be used as an educational and information tool – not as a diagnostic instrument. Persons with mental illness usually exhibit a cluster of symptoms that are persistent and interfere with daily life and work.

Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)

Dramatic changes in eating and/or sleeping habits

Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

Feelings of extreme highs and lows

Strong feelings of anger Delusions or hallucinations, difficulty perceiving reality

Abuse of substances such as alcohol and/or drugs

Excessive fears, worries and anxieties

Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities

Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning

Social withdrawal, avoiding friends and social activities

Denial of obvious problems Multiple, unexplained physical ailments without obvious causes

Suicidal thoughts

Contact the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County

For more information and/or referrals to mental-health specialists. Our staff will be more than happy to help you find a mental health provider that best meets your needs or for someone you love.

(336) 768-3880

1509 S.Hawthorne Rd. Winston Salem, NC

Join a Support Group

For further information about mental health conditions not on this website, including mental health disorders in children, click HERE

Most common type of mental illness

Anxiety Disorders

1.

Interferes with you ability to function

2.

Often overreacts when something triggers your emotions

3.

Difficult to control responses to situations

Symptoms may include:

Excessive worry
Feelings of nervousness
Intense panic and fear
Sweating and rapid heartbeat
Inability to be still and calm
Nightmares/trouble sleeping

Support Groups

Types of anxiety disorders:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Phobias
Separation anxiety
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Get Help

For additional information about Anxiety Disorders not on this website click HERE

Mood Disorders

A mental health class that health professionals use to broadly describe all types of depression and bipolar disorders.

The more common types of mood disorders are major depression, bipolar disorder and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia)

Other types of mood disorders include seasonal affective disorder, substance use mood disorder, mood disorder linked with a medical condition such as a stroke

Children, teens and adults can have mood disorders. However, children and teens may not always have the same set of symptoms as adults

Therapy, antidepressants and support and self-care can help treat mood disorders.

Click the tabs below to learn about Mood Disorders.

Depression Is a common and serious illness and Impacts day-to-day functioning

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:
Symptoms last for more than two (2) weeks

Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood

Sleeping too much or too little, early morning awakening

Restlessness, irritability

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as: headaches, digestive disorders, constipation, and chronic pain

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Thoughts of death or suicide (NOTE: People with this symptom should get treatment right away)

Persistent Depression Disorder (Dysthymia):

A less severe form of depression, but longer term, ongoing
Characterized by having a low mood, lasting for at least two (2) years
Co-occurring with at least two (2) additional symptoms listed below:

Sadness, emptiness for feeling down

Trouble focusing clearly and trouble making decisions

Avoidance of social activities

Loss of interest in daily activities

Strong feelings of anger Delusions or hallucinations, difficulty perceiving reality

Feelings of guilt and worries over the past

Sleep problems, Tiredness and lack of energy

Problems getting things done well and on time

Poor appetite or overeating

Low self-esteem, self-criticism or feeling you are not capable

Quickly becoming annoyed, impatient or angry

Hopelessness

Contact the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County

For more information and/or referrals to mental-health specialists. Our staff will be more than happy to help you find a mental health provider that best meets your needs or for someone you love.

(336) 768-3880

1509 S.Hawthorne Rd. Winston Salem, NC

Join a Support Group

For further information about mood disorders not on this website click HERE

Bipolar Disorder:

An illness involving one or more episodes of serious mania and depression which causes a person’s mood to swing from excessively “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless/depressed, with periods of a normal mood in between

1.

Mood swings which can affect a person’s judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly, rationally

3.

Changes in activity and energy levels

2.

Sleep and eating disturbances

4.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common among people living with bipolar disorder

Symptoms of Manic Behavior:

Abnormally elevated mood, hyperactivity

Increased talking, speaking

Poor judgment that leads to risk-taking behavior

Severe insomnia, no apparent need for sleep

Racing thoughts, accelerated thinking

Inappropriate social behavior

Grandiose notions, may be accompanied by delusions of grandeur

Increased activity, including sexual energy

Irritability

Affects approximately 1.1% of the total population

Schizophrenia |

Psychotic Disorders

A serious brain disorder characterized by a profound disruption in cognition and emotion. Believed to be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain affecting language, thought, perception, and sense of self.

Symptoms may include:

Negative symptoms may include:

Delusions
Hallucinations
Disordered Thinking
Disorganized Motor Behavior
Reduced or lack of ability to function normally

Can not show feelings
Loses the ability to experience pleasure
Speaks in monotone (flat affect)
Can not start or maintain conversations
Minimal flow of thought
Lack of motivation
Minimal self-care, hygiene and grooming

NOTE: Schizophrenia is NOT “split personality” or “multiple personality disorder”. Persons with schizophrenia are not perpetually incoherent or psychotic.

Click the tabs below to learn more about Psychotic Disorders.

Schizoaffective Disorder

A combination of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (depression or mania) Persons with schizoaffective disorder tend to show more mood symptoms but symptoms are different in each affected person.

Two types of schizoaffective disorder:

one

BIPOLAR TYPE:

Episodes of mania and sometimes major depression

two

DEPRESSIVE TYPE:

Episodes of only major depression

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Hallucinations are seeing, hearing, smelling things that do not exist and can involve any of the senses. A person with hallucinations may:

Feel bugs crawling on her/his body
Smell gas that is being used to kill her/him
Taste the poison in her/his food
Hear voices telling her/him to do something
See visions of God, the dead, horrible things

Delusions are false beliefs not based in reality. Common delusions include:

Being harmed or harassed
Certain gestures or comments directed at you
Having exceptional ability or fame
Another person is in love with you
A major catastrophe is about to occu

Disorganized Motor Behavior by which behavior may include:

Resistance to instructions
Inappropriate or bizarre posture
Useless or excessive movement

Disordered Thinking is inferred from disorganized speech.

Impairs effective communication
answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated
May include “word salad” - the putting together of meaningless words that cannot be understood

Contact the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County

For more information and/or referrals to mental-health specialists. Our staff will be more than happy to help you find a mental health provider that best meets your needs or for someone you love.

(336) 768-3880

1509 S.Hawthorne Rd. Winston Salem, NC

Join a Support Group

For more information about schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or other psychotic disorders not on this website click HERE

Dementia

An “umbrella term” defined as impaired ability to remember, think or make decisions. Affecting one’s memory, attention, communication, reasoning, judgment, and ability to problem solve

Click the tabs below to learn about Dementia

Types of Dementia include:

one

Alzheimer’s Disease

is a type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases

two

Vascular Dementia

10% of cases-disease or injury of the blood vessels leading to the brain. Symptoms include impairments in motor skills and judgment

three

Lewy Body Dementia

5% of cases - symptoms include hallucinations, disordered sleep, impaired thinking and motor skills

four

Frontotemporal Dementia

10% of cases - deterioration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Symptoms include personality changes, issues with language

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA

Symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Signs that may indicate a person with dementia may include:

Impairments in memory, language, and visuospatial skills

Forgetting the name of a close family member or friend

Not being able to complete tasks independently

Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood

Repeating questions

Problems with balance and movement

Using unusual words to refer to familiar objects

Not caring about other people’s feelings

Difficulty in handling money and paying bills

Resourceful Websites

1

Alzheimers.gov

VISIT SITE >

3

Senior Services

VISIT SITE >

2

Piedmont Triad Regional Council - Area on Aging

VISIT SITE >

4

Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem

VISIT SITE >

If you think a loved one may have dementia, consider doing the following:

Discuss with the loved one about seeing a medical provider about the observed changes as soon as possible. Ask about a Medicare Wellness Exam

Start planning and have family meetings to discuss topics such as: estate planning, healthcare directive, durable power of attorney, etc.

Discuss about driving and to carry an ID at all times

Affects around 9% of the population

Eating Disorders

Are serious, potentially life-threatening, conditions that affect both physical and mental health as well as the ability to function in daily life. Thought to occur due to a combination of genetics, family history and learned behaviors.

Typically develops in adolescence, young adulthood 95% of the time, but can occur at any age

Does not discriminate - while we may think of eating disorders primarily affecting white females - males, youth and adults who identify as LGBTQ+, persons who identify as African-American and athletes in sports that emphasize appearance and weight can also be at risk

Can also be a “trigger” for persons who are victims of neglect, abuse and trauma

Are typically associated with other, underlying mental health issues such as: depression, anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), personality or substance abuse disorder

Click the tabs below to learn more about Psychotic Disorders.

Types of Eating Disorders

While there are multiple types of eating disorders, the two most common of the eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and are characterized by the following:

one

Anorexia Nervosa:

Can be life-threatening
Unhealthy low body weight
Intense fear of gaining weight
Has a view of weight and shape that is not realistic

two

Bulimia Nervosa:

Can be life-threatening
Includes episodes of binging, commonly followed by episodes of purging
Purging can include taking laxatives
Can include severely limiting eating for periods of time

WARNING SIGNS OF AN EATING DISORDER

Skipping meals or snacks or making excuses for not eating

Withdrawing from usual social activities

Using dietary supplements, laxatives or herbal products for weight loss

Having a very limited diet that hasn't been prescribed by a trained medical professional

Repeatedly eating large amounts of foods; eating in secret

Exercising much more than the average person

Making their own meals rather than eating what the family eats

Leaving during meals or right after a meal to use the toilet

Calluses on the knuckles from reaching fingers into the mouth to cause vomiting

Problems with loss of tooth enamel that may be a sign of repeated vomiting

Frequent and ongoing worry or complaints about being unhealthy or overweight and talk of losing weight; frequent checking in the mirror

Talk of depression, disgust, shame or guilt about eating habits

NOTE: The listing of symptoms in this website are to be used as an educational and informational tool – not as a diagnostic instrument. See a licensed mental health clinician and/or a primary healthcare provider if you or someone you love experiences a cluster of symptoms listed in this website, especially if they interfere with day-to-day life. For more information about eating disorders, click on the Resources tab above

Contact the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County

For more information and/or referrals to mental-health specialists. Our staff will be more than happy to help you find a mental health provider that best meets your needs or for someone you love.

(336) 768-3880

1509 S.Hawthorne Rd. Winston Salem, NC

Join a Support Group

For more information about eating disorders not on this website click HERE

Managing an Eating Disorder

Managing an eating disorder can be long-term. Treatment is most successful when diagnosed early, as early as possible and when it consists of a combination of:

01

Psychotherapy- to address the underlying mental health issues; develop healthier coping strategies

02

Nutritional Counseling-

to restore the person to a healthy weight

03

Medications- to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, other mental health issues; to treat associated medical and/or dental complications

04

Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy- to learn new patterns of behavior with food and relationships

National Eating Disorders Association: nationaleatingdisorders.org

Requires a diagnosis by a licensed mental health or medical provider

MENTAL ILLNESS DEFINED

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF MENTAL ILLNESS

1

2

3

4

5

6

With proper care and treatment many individuals learn to cope or recover from a mental illness or emotional disorder.

Most common type of mental illness

1.

2.

3.

Symptoms may include:

Types of anxiety disorders:

For additional information about Anxiety Disorders not on this website click HERE

Depression Is a common and serious illness and Impacts day-to-day functioning

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION: Symptoms last for more than two (2) weeks

Affects approximately 1.1% of the total population

Symptoms may include:

Negative symptoms may include:

NOTE: Schizophrenia is NOT “split personality” or “multiple personality disorder”. Persons with schizophrenia are not perpetually incoherent or psychotic.

Schizoaffective Disorder

A combination of schizophrenia symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and mood disorder symptoms (depression or mania) Persons with schizoaffective disorder tend to show more mood symptoms but symptoms are different in each affected person.

Two types of schizoaffective disorder:

one

two

Types of Dementia include:

one

two

three

four

Affects around 9% of the population

Types of Eating Disorders

While there are multiple types of eating disorders, the two most common of the eating disorders are Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa and are characterized by the following:

one

two

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SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION:
Symptoms last for more than two (2) weeks