Mental Health & Addictions: Signs, Symptoms and More

Depression can be described as extreme sadness where symptoms affect daily routines. The ability to function is also compromised. Symptoms can include but are not limited to: extreme sadness, changes in sleeping & eating patterns, reduced concentration, anxiety, withdrawal from activities, and thoughts of suicide. To diagnose depression, symptoms are to be present for a minimum of two (2) weeks.

Anxiety is when worry and fear are at their most extreme. It is normal to be afraid, but when fear starts to impact your daily life, the issue may be more serious. There are multiple forms of anxiety that include: GAD, OCD, phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety may include: feeling nervous and weak, having trouble sleeping, increased heart rate, sweating and trembling.

Bi-polar disorder occurs when extreme depressive symptoms are coupled with either a manic episode or a hypomanic episode. Symptoms can include: poor decision making, increased energy, and increased distractions. This particular disorder can lead to psychosis which is when one loses touch with reality.

This is a sever Mental Illness where reality is not seen as "normal". Symptoms can include: delusions, hallucinations, suicidal ideations, and disorganized thinking. Treatment for schizophrenia is life long, but if symptoms are treated early, they may be easier to manage long term.

Personality disorders are explained in three (3) separate clusters based on symptoms. Person with personality disorder find it difficult to relate to others as a result of a rigid pattern of thoughts and behaviours. It is difficult at times to tell if you are living with a personality disorder as you may believe that your way if thinking is "normal". Some personality disorders include, but are not limited to: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Anti-Social Personality Disorder 

For young children it may be difficult to see the difference between regular behavioural issues and Mental Health issues. If you notice that a child's difficult behaviour lasts for weeks or months then you may want to talk to a professional about what is happening. Children who display the following symptoms may have underlying issues that should be explored: frequent tantrums, excessive worry/fear, difficulty sleeping, no interest in playing with other children, or finding it difficult to make friends. Some disorders can be diagnosed during adolescence, like depression and bi-polar disorder. See a professional if a young person suddenly loses interest in things they like to do, have a change in eating/sleeping patterns, start using drugs/alcohol to cope, or start engaging in self-harm.

According to psychology today, addictions are described as the use of substance or engaging an activity where the reward compels the individual to repeat the actions. Addictions may involve the use of substance like drugs and alcohol or may include activities like gambling. When and individual is living with Mental Health issues as well as an Addiction this is known as concurrent disorder.