This week, we bring attention to the many mental illnesses that are affecting many Americans today. Various conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder have caused many to have difficulties functioning in their everyday lives. In acknowledgment of Mental Illness Awareness Week, I am going to discuss four of the most common conditions affecting women around my age and in their 40s.
Eating Disorders
When many people think of eating disorders, the first thing that pops into their heads is anorexia. But there’s more to these disorders than this. It also involves overeating disorders like purging or food binges. Eating disorders not only involve the unhealthy relationship a person has with food. They are also complex mental health disorders which if left untreated could result in death. Here are some of the other eating disorders affecting young women today:
- Binge eating disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Pica eating disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Numerous mental disorders cause young women to feel severely stressed in their lives. These are anxiety disorders. Panic disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are good examples of these disorders. These mental illnesses cause people to experience distressing and frequent fear. Young women usually start to experience these disorders as a result of overthinking. Other illnesses included in this category include:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Mood Disorders
Mental illnesses that cause you to consistently feel down are known as mood disorders. Approximately 1 in 10 adults suffer from a mood disorder. However, women in their 30s and 40s normally become depressed because of pressure from work or society’s high expectations. They are often pressured to look or act a certain way. Most start to develop depression in their teens. Other illnesses you must know that fall in this category is:
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance-induced mood disorder
- Dysthymia
Psychotic Disorders
When people are diagnosed with one of these disorders, they are normally unable to differentiate what’s real and what’s not. These disorders are known as psychotic disorders. Scientists believe various factors play a role in being diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. It could be drug abuse or just problems with some circuits in the brain. Some good examples of psychotic disorders include:
- Schizophrenia
- Delusional disorder
- Substance-induced psychotic disorder
Many Americans have a mental disorder. But it is also impacting our young women today. If you or a young woman you know struggling with a mental condition, please seek help immediately. Be sure to share your experience with a mental illness in the comments section below. As always, like or share this post with someone you know struggling with a mental illness.
