Life and Mental Health

Many people have a dual diagnosis. This means that they have either a mental illness and/or substance abuse problem or another mental disorder in addition to Bipolar disorder, Panic disorder or some other mental disorder. According to studies done 57 to 60 percent of people with Bipolar disorder do have a substance abuse problem.  Many have secondary problem caused by their bipolar disorder or by other factors.  

Treating dual diagnosis is more complicated than treating either of the disorders alone. Certain medications commonly used to treat one condition may cause adverse affects in persons who also have other conditions or dual diagnosis and can interact in a negative way with meds prescribed for that other condition. Dual diagnosis programs are used for people who have a mental disorder and an addiction.  This helps people recover with both mental health and treats the substance abuse at the same time and in one place.

Stress or mood swings can strike anyone from time to time upsetting their mental balance. Too much stress, anxiety, depression, or worry can become and affects mind and emotions so that they can be overwhelming. When moods and emotions get too unbalanced; when they begin to interfere with your career or personal relationships it’s time to make a change. No matter how stressful your job, close relationships, or current life situation; you can learn to control your emotions and bring your life back into balance.

How Common Are Psychotic Disorders?

About 1% of the population of the world suffers from psychotic disorders. These disorders most often first appear when a person is in the late teens 20s or 30s. Men and women are affected equally.

Doctors perform a complete medical history and physical exam to find out the cause of the symptoms. There are no laboratory tests to diagnose psychotic disorders except those that are associated with a physical illness; the doctor may use diverse tests, such as blood work and X-rays, to rule out a physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

If there is no physical reason for the symptoms, a psychiatrist or psychologist, who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses must be consulted. Psychiatrists interview a person to evaluate a person for a psychotic disorder.

People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior. They are able to handle life’s inevitable challenges, build strong relationships, and lead productive, fulfilling lives. When bad things happen, they are able to bounce back and move on.

Unfortunately, too many people take their mental and emotional health for granted focusing on it only when they develop problems. But just as it requires effort to build or maintain physical health, so it is with mental and emotional health. The more time and energy you invest in your emotional health, the stronger it will be. The good news is that there are many things you can do to boost your mood, build resilience, and get more enjoyment out of life.