Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking and behaviour.

It is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Symptoms of mental disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some general symptoms that may suggest a mental illness include:

Problems in concentration

Long-lasting sadness or irritability

Recurrent changes in energy

Extremely high and low moods

Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety

Social withdrawal

Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits

Strong feelings of anger

Delusions or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there)

Increasing inability to cope with daily problems and activities

Suicidal thoughts

Many unexplained physical problems

Confused thinking

Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol

While both psychiatrists and psychologists are mental health professionals, the big difference is that psychiatrists are medical physicians while psychologists are not. Because they are licensed physicians, psychiatrists can prescribe drugs. Psychologists are not allowed to do that. Psychologists on the other hand, use psychotherapy as a treatment method.

Treatment options include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, a combination of both as well. Treatments can be administered in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Psychotherapy in some cases can be sufficient for the treatment of certain mental conditions. However, it may be needed in conjunction with medication. This is why in several cases, it is not considered as a substitute for medication.

It is common for people to stop taking their medication when they feel their symptoms have become controlled. Others may choose to stop their medication because of side effects. Another problem with stopping the medication, especially if you stop it abruptly, is that you may develop withdrawal symptoms that can be very unpleasant. If you feel you need to stop your medication, it is necessary to discuss it with your physician as he might be able to suggest another type of medication or adjust the dose of your medication.

If you notice that an old person has signs of depressed mood for more than two weeks, social withdrawal, energy loss, sleep changes, problems with concentration, memory loss (especially recent or short-term memory problems), thoughts of suicide, anxiety symptoms, unexplained physical symptoms, etc.; these may be signs of a mental disorder requiring the attention of a professional.

Non-judgmental listening and validation of other person’s suffering is a way to persuade or help your loved ones.

The answer is a psychotherapist. A therapist usually has expertise in these subjects of matter.

Yes, many anxiety disorders have palpitation as one of their symptoms and there maybe no cardiac issues at that moment for a person.

Palpitation

Body Ache

Feeling out of breath

Always on edge

Disturbed digestive system

Difficulty sleeping & concentration etc.

Low mood

Fatigue

Decrease in interest in daily life activities

Disturbed appetite and/or sleep

Sexual issues

Wish to die/suicidal thoughts

feelings of excessive guilt

In simpler terms, the depression means issues in the past, and anxiety means that the issues are in the future.

Yes, a person can have symptoms of both.

You can consult both psychologist or a psychiatrist. If the illness is severe, then psychiatrists have the primary role.

No, it is not always necessary but if the illness is severe, then medication has a greater role. Some conditions like schizophrenia are primarily managed on medication.

Not at all, but psychiatric medications are usually taken for the longer period. Few medications like sleep medications are addictive and should be avoided for long term use.

Every medication ever produced has some side effects, and so do psychiatric medications. It is not necessary for everybody who takes psychiatric medications to have side effects. If you are having side effects, you should contact your doctor.