Mental Health: Depression and Anxiety Disorder Facts and Causes

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and in some ways, maybe more so. If you are struggling with a mental disorder like an anxiety disorder or a type of depression, it can cause serious problems all throughout your life, even creating physical health issues. This is why it is so important to be able to recognize mental health problems and know how to ask for help.

What Is Mental Health?

Mental health, according to MentalHealth.gov, is the amalgam of our social, emotional, and psychological well-being. Put simply, it is everything we feel and experience that is not associated with our physical health. Everyone should be able to have good mental health, whether they are children, teenagers, adults, or elderly individuals. Unfortunately, mental disorders are much more common than most people realize.

What Is a Mental Health Disorder?

A mental health disorder is a problem a person experiences that has to do with their mental health. They can feel bad about themselves, behave differently, relate to others differently, and experience life in a way that is not healthy for them.

Depression and anxiety disorders are some of the most common types of mental disorders. While there are several different types of depression and anxiety disorders that can cause different effects, these issues have become blanket concepts of mental illness. Sadly, many people still don’t understand mental disorders.

Types of Depressive Disorders

Some of the most common types of depressive disorders include

* Major depression
* Postpartum depression
* Seasonal affective disorder
* Bipolar disorder (of which depression is a part)

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Some of the most common types of anxiety disorders include

* Generalized anxiety disorder
* Panic disorder
* Phobias
* Social anxiety disorder

 What Can Cause a Mental Health Disorder?

Mental health disorders like depression can be caused by a number of factors. According to the [National Library of Medicine](https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html), a person can experience depression because of their genetic predisposition to the disorder, as a reaction to environmental factors, and for many other reasons. The same is true of anxiety disorders. Women are more likely to experience anxiety and depressive disorders, and these disorders are more likely to begin during the teenage years.

How Can I Prevent a Mental Health Disorder?

It can be very difficult to prevent a mental disorder from happening, as there are so many ways one can occur. Also, these illnesses are sometimes genetic. Still, making sure to always check in with yourself and assess your feelings, experiences, emotions, and thoughts can help you avoid experiencing the symptoms of a mental disorder like depression or anxiety without knowing what they are.

How Can I Treat a Mental Health Disorder Like Anxiety or Depression?

Most of the time, people live with these syndromes for a long time, potentially even all their lives. This means they will have to learn to manage their depression or anxiety disorder on a day-to-day basis. Different people have different ways of managing their disorders, but it is important to remember not to go it alone. A chronic disorder that affects you as strongly as a mental disorder should not be fought without help.

When Should I See a Doctor for My Mental Health Disorder?

Usually, the nature of a mental disorder is that it is difficult to manage on one’s own and that it requires help. People who have mental disorders cannot simply snap out of a bad feeling, which is why seeking professional treatment is often the best course of action. If you no longer feel mentally healthy and instead you feel like the symptoms of your mental disorder are affecting your day-to-day life, you should seek help.

There are many different treatments for mental disorders like anxiety disorders and depression. These include medications, behavioral therapies, support groups, and holistic approaches ([NMH](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml#part_145338)). A combination of different options can often be helpful, and it is best to discuss your specific situation with a medical professional so they can help you find the best treatment plan for your needs.

Contact us at CareCube today to find out how we can help you with any mental health disorders.