Mental Health Education

The expressions “mental health issue,” “mental illness,” and “mental health disorder” are frequently used synonymously. In its diagnostics handbook, the American Psychiatric Association uses the term mental disorder to specify mental illnesses. However, the organization likewise recommends using the term mental health challenge.

Some mental illnesses occur more frequently than others. Problems such as anxiety and depressive disorders, as an example, take place more frequently than schizophrenia and psychosis. Each type of mental health disorder can range in severity from mild to serious.

What Are Mental Health Disorders?

There are several different types of mental health issues that could be present in individuals who also struggle with substance abuse. Coalition Recovery provides a variety of treatment programs and therapies for you as well as mental health and addiction education.

Developmental Disorders

Mental disorders are unique from developmental disabilities. Developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities, hinder social interaction, self-sufficiency, language, and mobility. Substance use disorders and other mental health disorders can co-occur alongside developmental disorders. The term co-occurring disorder most generally refers to substance use disorders and psychological disorders.

Dual Diagnosis and Comorbidity

Dual diagnosis is the term used to describe the treatment for co-occurring disorders. Both of these terms are occasionally confused with comorbid disorders. Comorbidity is a wide term used to signify the existence of numerous physical or mental diseases or disorders. Co-occurring disorders and dual diagnosis treatment are specific to substance use disorders and other mental health problems.

Mental Illnesses that Co-Occur with Substance Use Disorders

Any type of psychological health disorder can co-occur together with substance use disorders. The most usual kinds of co-occurring disorders consist of mood, anxiety, psychosis, eating, personality, and behavioral disorders. Each group consists of many sorts of mental disorders that can vary in severity.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are a broad category of mental health issues that consist of all types of depression and bipolar disorders. They are largely connected with persistent feelings of despair that last longer and are more extreme than typical feelings of sadness.

Examples of mood disorders consist of:

• Bipolar disorder
• Dysthymia
• Major depressive disorder

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety and fear are normal feelings, but prolonged sensations of anxiety that get worse in time might be a measure of an anxiety disorder. Some anxiety disorders interrupt normal life, making work, and various other activities difficult.

Instances of anxiety disorders consist of:

• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders usually trigger two severe signs and symptoms: delusions and hallucinations. People with psychosis are disconnected from reality and may become a threat to themselves or others.

Some types of psychotic disorders include:

• Schizophrenia
• Postpartum psychosis
• Schizoaffective disorder

Eating Disorders

Like substance use disorders, eating disorders are misunderstood. People with eating disorders do not choose to eat unhealthy diets. They have a significant mental illness that causes them to perform self-damaging eating behaviors.

Eating disorders include:

• Anorexia nervosa
• Binge eating disorder
• Bulimia nervosa

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are mental illnesses related to unhealthy thoughts and activities. These disorders are set off by daily stresses and can interrupt leisure activities, work, and relationships.

Kinds of personality disorders include:

• Paranoid personality disorder
• Schizotypal personality disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Dependent personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder
• Schizoid personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder

Behavioral Disorders

Behavioral disorders most generally occur in adolescents. Many healthy individuals show behavior issues, such as defiance, inattention and hyperactivity. Behavioral disorders are identified by persistent behavior issues that last at least 6 months.

Typical behavioral disorders include:

• Conduct disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder

Stigma and Other Issues Involving Co-Occurring Disorders

Stigma is the greatest barrier for individuals with mental illness. Many people wrongly believe that individuals with mental disorders are dangerous or that individuals with drug use disorders have a moral failing. Actually, most individuals with mental illness present minimal risk to others. And regardless of moral beliefs, addiction is a disease that harms an individual’s health, social function, and ability to control drug usage.

This misunderstanding causes feelings of fear and embarrassment amongst people with co-occurring disorders. Many people separate themselves to avoid shame. They may also reject that they need mental health therapy. Stigma in our culture additionally prevents individuals in need from receiving support. Social denial can stop people with addiction from maintaining their housing, finding work, and providing for themselves.

Continuing Aftercare

The most efficient therapies for addiction last a minimum of thirty days, however, long-term healing must include an aftercare program. Most people in recovery from addiction participate in everyday or regular support group meetings. Likewise, many people receive outpatient counseling regularly.

Recovery from mental illness is similar. People should remain going to therapy for co-occurring mental illness after they leave rehab. In addition to therapy, if medical professionals advise medications, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants, patients should continue to take them for as long as their doctor suggests.

Individuals with severe mental illness might require continued therapy treatments. However, most individuals with co-occurring disorders have the ability to attain happiness and fulfillment after achieving sobriety from alcohol or various other substances.

At Coalition Recovery, we offer a wide range of therapies that address mental health issues. Reach out to our team at 888.707.2873 to learn more.