Statistics from the John Hopkins Institute tell us that 26% of Americans suffer from diagnosed mental disorders (1). This is one in 4 adults. And this percentage includes only Americans aged 18 and over. Many young people also suffer from diagnosed mental disorders but are not included in these statistics. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety in adolescence. For many years I struggled in silence and isolation to get my diagnosis. No human contact, no social contact, nothing. I was constantly worried about people. Finally, thanks to a combination of medicine and speech processing, I have gained some stability in my life. But the goal of my blog against depression and anxiety is not the goal. The effects of undiagnosed disorders are.
What undiagnosed mental disorders can do to your long-term health?
Despite the awareness and support campaigns, we still have a long way to go. Mental disorders are still not considered as serious as they are. I know many people who are afraid to tell their social circle that they are seeking therapy? Why? Partly because of the social stigma associated with mental illness. But also because many people in the 21st century remain ignorant of mental disorders. On the other side of the spectrum are people who never seek help for mental illness. The reasons for not doing so remain the same. Many people all live their lives in a spiritual state. They die without being diagnosed.
Worsening of mental health
This is quite obvious, but it must be said. If you have a mental disorder that is not treated, the long-term effects can be significant. Your condition is likely to worsen or even worsen due to other ailments. Yes, other disorders can develop if you are not seeking treatment. Disorders such as clinical depression tend to fluctuate. But without professional treatment, depression can lead to a more serious problem. As the disorder becomes worse, the symptoms also manifest themselves. People who have hardly had any health symptoms in the past can show the full range of symptoms. The longer you delay the treatment, the worse your illness may be. It becomes more complicated and more difficult to handle. It has a direct impact on your quality of life.
Dampening of the drive to exercise
Many people suffering from mental illness can look funny. Disturbances like depression press a person’s willingness to perform tasks. Even tasks that do not require intense mental focus can be difficult. When I was still undiagnosed, I managed to retire from the school basketball team. Why? I couldn’t bother to be honest. I couldn’t drag myself to work out after school. Sometimes, although I will practice, I cannot give 100%. Right later, my therapist linked this dullness to my mental health. Lack of exercise can seriously affect your quality of life. Especially if you have a mental disorder. Exercise helps release the highly sensitive hormones in the body, namely endorphins. These endorphins help mood and emotions. Therefore, psychiatrists often recommend daily exercises to their patients.
Anxiety can weaken the immune system
Anxiety, in particular, can result in the destruction of the body’s immune system response. Anxiety causes your flight or reaction to struggle in intense situations. The reaction of flight or battle is essentially the brain that surfaces the body with chemicals and hormones. Adrenaline is one of the best known. In response to these chemicals, lift your wrist and throw your breath. This increases the oxygen flow to the brain. The instinct of flying or giant prepares you to respond to an intense situation, after which the body should preferably return to normal. It can even strengthen your immune system. But it does not happen to people with anxiety disorders. For chronic or prolonged anxiety patients, the body never returns to its normal state. The constant overflow of hormones, increased heart rate and respiratory disease damages your immune system. You become more susceptible to viral infections and you may also experience more frequent diseases.
Having a mental problem can seriously affect your appetite. In my case when I was in the field, I lost nearly 20 pounds in two years. In just six meters, I weighed just over £ 120. My treatment showed me that it was my mental illness that affected my appetite. In my case it made me eat less. I couldn’t taste the food I used to. At first I thought my kitchen was down. But it’s actually my mental state that killed my appetite. Eating more than usual can also be the result of chronic stress or depression. Mental disorders affect people differently. But it is generally accepted that significant changes in appetite are a harbinger. Especially if it is accompanied by digestive problems such as constipation or digestion. Or feelings like dissatisfaction, guilt or sadness.
An increased need to smoke tobacco
People with anxiety or depression may feel a strong desire to smoke. This is especially true for people who have already smoked or used before. Many people with mental disorders believe that smoking alleviates their symptoms. But the fact that I learned the hard way was that this effect was only temporary. Let’s put things in perspective. People with depression have a double chance of smoking. Patients with schizophrenia are three times more likely to smoke. Nicotine in cigarettes interferes with the chemical balance of the brain. It temporarily increases dopamine, which is usually low in a person with depression. This explains why such people smoke a lot. But there is another side to consider. Nicotine also interferes with the brain’s ability to produce dopamine. This means that a patient begins to rely on the cigarette to feel a positive feeling. The harmful effects of smoking on the human body are well documented. From the increased risk of cancer to heart disease and infertility, smoking is harmful. An undiagnosed mental state may include a vicious circle of smoking. Prolonged use will eventually damage your organs.
Skin conditions like Psoriasis
Skin conditions, especially psoriasis, are often due to chronic stress. Symptoms of psoriasis include flesh skin and itching. But it also has much more harmful effects. Psoriasis affects approx. 7.5 million Americans. This is according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (2). This can have a serious impact on physical and mental well-being. Like smoking, psoriasis can lock you in a vicious and dangerous circle. Especially if you suffer from mental disorders. The condition of the skin causes physical and mental illness in the patient. This distress causes a pressure on psoriasis. The burner brings more distress and the bike continues.
Increased risk of substance abuse
People with mental disorders are at greater risk of developing substance abuse problems. And if you have severe anxiety, it can even become drug abuse disorders. Alcoholism or drug abuse are some of these disorders. People can consume alcohol, prescription drugs or even illicit drugs. An untreated mental disorder is poor enough. Having an untreated drug abuse disorder can be worse. If you do not treat both diseases, you must seriously threaten the quality of life of a person. This is something I have been too short of. My days struggled to find out which channel was in my Spectrum packages while I drink a lot every day. Finally, I developed an ulk that finally made me recognize my addiction. I am a person who suffers long ago without understanding what was wrong with me. So, it is not surprising that I have weakness for people who are the same. This blog is designed to help people understand the risks they face in undiagnosed mental illness. It is never too late to get help. Start your journey today, buy lederhosen and healing with professional therapy.