The pandemic has affected everyone in so many ways. A very common thing that has happened to everyone in some way or the other is the increase in stress and other mental health issues. Uncertainty, loss of jobs, restriction to homes for months, not meeting your loved ones are some of the many reasons why there has been a significant increase in mental health issues during the pandemic. To be more informed in this regard, here are some common mental illnesses along with their symptoms and recommended treatments that you should know about;  

Depression

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric diseases affecting Americans. It is estimated that one in six people will have a depressive episode at some point in their lives. There are many risk factors for depression, such as having a family member with depression, thyroid diseases, bipolar disorder, vitamin deficiencies, etc. Symptoms of depression include low mood, sleep and appetite changes, lack of energy and interest in everyday activities, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt. If treated appropriately with medications and therapy, most people recover completely and live healthy lives. 

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are a set of conditions marked by excessive fear and nervousness. This is different from feeling anxious about an important event. Anxiety disorders are of many different types, such as panic disorder, hypochondria, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), etc. The signs and symptoms depend on the exact condition but can vary from having recurrent and unprovoked panic attacks, constant worry about every aspect of one’s life, fatigue, sleep disturbances, muscle tension, and an obsessive need to do some actions over and over again such as washing hands. Having an anxiety disorder can severely hamper one’s ability to function well in everyday life. Luckily it is entirely treatable through medication and therapy, and many people go on to lead productive and successful lives. 

ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The symptoms include an inability to focus on the task at hand, constant fidgeting, impulsivity, excessive movements, etc. A common misconception about ADHD is that it only affects children. This is not true; while ADHD starts in childhood, it can last into adulthood if untreated. Undiagnosed ADHD can lead to poor performance at school or work. Children with ADHD also tend to have other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety. ADHD is treated with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. 

Eating Disorders 

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia most commonly affect women between the ages of 12 and 35. They are characterized by erratic eating patterns. The affected individuals have a distorted perception of their body image and weight and consider themselves obese even when they are on the brink of starvation. Many people suffering from eating disorders would have a meal and later induce vomiting or take weight loss pills. This results in malnutrition and many other medical problems such as fractures, brittle hair, nails, dry skin, etc. The treatment includes a combination of psychotherapy, medications, and nutritional counseling. 

These are some common mental illnesses. It is essential to take care of yourself and visit a doctor to get them diagnosed and treated before it is too late. An excellent way to do this is by signing up for a good health insurance policy quote to get coverage for medical bills and get free screenings and appointments at reasonable rates. You can shop around, look for multiple quotes, compare the rates and services, and do some market research. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping now!