Millions of people suffer from some sore of mental illness. Mental Illness is diagnosed in a few different ways, from anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, a phobia, and PTSD to name a few. Some of these illnesses if untreated or not recognized care be life-altering or even fatal. People suffering from any mental illness can become suicidal or homicidal.
May is Mental Health Awareness month. According to Mental Health America, 1 out of 5 people will experience some type of mental illness in their lifetime. Those numbers are expected to change with the most recent pandemic and people self-quarantining.
Let us take a look at a few illnesses that you may experience during and possible after being under self-quarantining. These are in no particular order and do not include any specific cultural group. These are also NOT based on any scientific data.
Claustrophobia
Some people many have panic attacks from feeling claustrophobic. Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias. It can be some simple the people may not recognize feeling claustrophobic immediately. Then there are extreme cases where you may need to seek professional treatments. I mention claustrophobia only because we have been self-quarantined for so long, some may begin to feel claustrophobic in their own home.
Symptoms may be mild or severe and come without warning. People will have different triggers that can bring on the symptoms. Anything from being outside in a crowd to being in an elevator. The range can vary from encounters.
Some symptoms include but not limited to:
- sweating
- trembling
- hot flashes
- feeling intense fear or panic
- becoming anxious
- shortness of breath
- hyperventilation
- rapid heartbeat
- chest tightness or pain
- nausea
- feeling faint or lightheaded
- feeling confused or disorientated
Depression
The leading cause of disability around the world affecting nearly 300 million people. Depression can lead to or is the root of other mental health illnesses including suicide and PTSD. Depression can last as little as a brief moment to days, weeks, months, and even years. Depression can develop by too many things in life from relationships to even social media contacts.
Depression could even lead to additional medical conditions that can become life-threatening. Medical conditions such as anorexia or a food addiction that can lead to heart disease. Depression can also lead people down a road of addiction to drugs or alcohol. Ranges of depression and other effects can be severe.
Some symptoms include:
- a depressed mood
- reduced
interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed - a loss of sexual desire
- changes in appetite
- unintentional weight loss or gain
- sleeping too much or too little
- agitation, restlessness, and pacing up and down
- slowed movement and speech
- fatigue or loss of energy
- feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
- recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, or an attempt at suicide
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most diagnosed mental illness in the world since anxiety can be seen in a few different forms. Anxiety can be seen as social, in panic attacks, or a number of others. Mental illnesses such as depression and PTSD can cause different forms of anxiety.
Some symptoms include:
- Fixation on the future
- Restlessness
- Difficulty Concentrating
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fear of Dying
- Muscle Tension
- Sweating
- Shortness of Breath or Hyperventilation
- Insomnia
- Irrational Fears
Conclusion
I only focused on 3 different mental illnesses above. These may be the 3 most common people will feel or have felt during this pandemic. Depression and Anxiety have been increasing worldwide over the past years. I sure since the pandemic the numbers are increasing.
These are not the only mental illnesses people will be facing their lifetime. The first step is, to be honest with yourself and recognize the symptoms. Leaving some of the effects of anxiety and depression untreated could lead to more serious mental illnesses or medical illnesses.
To help yourself with any of these illnesses it is suggested to start with some physical fitness. Getting yourself into a good physical condition has been know to change you not only physically but mentally.
Seek the help you need before its too late.
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KJS Travel 