THE BASIC FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE MOST COMMON MENTAL ILLNESSES
Some Symptoms…
Low or irritable mood most of the time
A loss of pleasure in usual activities
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
A big change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
Tiredness and lack of energy
Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Slow or fast movements
Lack of activity and avoiding usual activities
Feeling hopeless or helpless
Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
Some symptoms that kids/teens may experience include apathy, irritability, and persistent sadness.
Common Causes for Depression Include...
Stressful life events, such as:
Abuse or neglect
Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend
Death of a relative or friend
Divorce, including a parent's divorce
Failing a class
Illness in the family
Job loss
Long-term pain
Social isolation (common cause of depression in the elderly)
Medical conditions and treatments, such as:
Certain types of cancer
Long-term pain
Sleeping problems
Steroid medications
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)