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The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental health as: “A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.” WHO also points out that mental, neurological and behavioral disorders are common to all countries and cause immense suffering. People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of staggering economic and social costs. Estimates made by WHO in 2002 showed that 154 million people globally suffer from depression and 25 million people from schizophrenia; 91 million people are affected by alcohol use disorders and 15 million by drug use disorders. A recently published WHO report shows that 50 million people suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias. Australia’s incidence of mental illness is very similar to worldwide figures. One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioural disorder but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated. Mental health issues are treatable illnesses, much like diabetes and asthma. The importance of this statement can be judged by noting that of 11 million Australians in paid employment, an estimated 550,000 go to work every day with a mental illness. The four major categories of mental illness are anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. For a description of each of these, plus links to a number of other helpful websites about these forms of mental illness, click on the topic below.
About Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a feeling of fear or impending disaster. What makes one person anxious may not cause the same feelings in another person. Everyone feels anxious from time to time. For most of us, some anxiety is normal. However, some people experience feelings of anxiety so frequently or so strongly that it begins to affect their daily life. Anxiety shouldn’t be confused with stress. Stress is a response to pressure, often caused by workloads or being placed in unusual situations. If you’re asked to speak to a group of people you’re likely to experience some feelings of stress which is not in itself an indication of an anxiety disorder. About 10% of Australians will experience an anxiety disorder each year. It’s estimated that 25% of Australians will experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime.
Types of Anxiety Disorders There are several kinds of anxiety disorders. It’s not unusual for people to experience symptoms of more than one kind. The most common anxiety disorders are discussed below.
Phobias Phobias are fears. People with phobias become fearful about something, whether it’s an object, a situation or an imaginary problem. It’s estimated that around 9% of the Australian population will experience a phobia duringtheir lifetime. Some of the most common phobias are:
It’s not uncommon for people to have more than one phobia. Around twice as many women will experience a phobia compared to men.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) causes periods of anxiety that occur following a major emotional shock. The trauma that triggers PTSD can include:
PTSD will affect approximately 8% of Australians during their lifetime. PTSD symptoms may include:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) causes people to experience fears and anxieties, often without any basis in reality. In turn, the person develops an obsession which makes them do certain things to relieve anxiety. These are called ‘compulsions’ and can take the form of ritualistic behaviour, often repetitive. Around 3% of Australians will experience OCD during their lifetime. Some common obsessions are:
Some common compulsions are:
Panic attacks are intense bursts of anxiety that feel uncontrollable. It’s estimated that 30% of Australians will experience a panic attack at some time during their lives. Panic attacks can happen frequently, without apparent cause, or can be triggered by stressful situations. Having one panic attack can cause fears of having another panic attack, leading to further anxiety. A person experiencing a panic attack at least four times a month may be diagnosed as having a panic disorder. Around 3% of Australians will have a panic disorder during their lifetime. Panic attacks can include short bursts of:
Generalised Anxiety Disorder People experiencing Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) will have feelings of anxiety, often based on real life issues such as money or personal relationship problems, for several months. It’s estimated that GAD affects up to 5% of Australians during their lifetime. These feelings affect their daily lives and can cause them to:
Further links to information about Anxiety We have compiled a list of useful links for you to browse. Please note that when each link is clicked, a new browser window will open. To return to our site, just close the new browser window by clicking on the top right-hand corner 'x'. Anxiety Recovery Centre
About Bipolar Disorder An earlier name for Bipolar Disorder that’s still occasionally used is ‘manic depression’. It includes periods of extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression). Although most people experience a range of moods, Bipolar Disorder causes extreme moods that can change quickly and may not be related to what is actually happening in a person’s life. People with Bipolar Disorder will demonstrate symptoms of both depression and mania at different times. Behavioural changes that last for more than a couple of weeks can be an indication of Bipolar Disorder. People with bipolar disorder have 'mixed episodes' where they experience signs and symptoms of both depression and mania. These moods can change very quickly, from high to low then back to high again within a period of days or even hours. People with bipolar disorder can also experience what is called 'rapid cycling' - moving rapidly between depression, mania and mixed episodes. Some people with bipolar disorder also have symptoms of psychosis. These can include hallucinations, delusions, or a belief that everyone is against them. If the symptoms of bipolar disorder are untreated, they can have a devastating impact on the life of the person with the illness, and can lead to marriage breakdowns, financial problems, and even suicide.
Two Types of Bipolar Disorder There are two main types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar Disorder I – This is the more serious type of Bipolar Disorder. People with this type of Bipolar Disorder are likely to experience mania for long periods of time as well as experiencing symptoms of psychosis. Bipolar Disorder II - People with Bipolar Disorder II do not experience psychotic symptoms and usually have shorter episodes of mania. Between periods of mania and depression, people with Bipolar Disorder can feel quite ‘normal’, although if left untreated the symptoms can occur with increasing frequency.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder is often difficult to recognise and diagnose. Its symptoms can be the same as many other types of mental illness, including anxiety disorders and depression. Common symptoms of depression include:
Common symptoms of mania include:
Further links to information about Bipolar Disorder We have compiled a list of useful links for you to browse. Please note that when each link is clicked, a new browser window will open. To return to our site, just close the new browser window by clicking on the top right-hand corner 'x'. The Black Dog Institute
About Depression Depression is a serious illness. When we experience unhappiness following an unpleasant event we often call it ‘depression’, but this is a normal response and is usually resolved in a short period of time without treatment. Depressive illness, on the other hand, is a much more severe and prolonged condition. We all feel sad from time to time, but people with a depressive illness experience intense feelings of sadness for long periods of time, often without apparent cause. People with depression find it hard to function in their everyday lives. They can become withdrawn and be unable to participate in activities they formerly enjoyed. Depression is one of the most common of all mental health problems. Over one million Australians live with depression each year. Statistics show that one Australian in five people on average will experience depression during their lifetime - one in four women and one in six men. The World Health Organisation defines clinical depression as:
Some healthcare professionals believe that depression is one condition and that it varies in severity. Others hold the view that depression is not a single, distinct medical condition, that it has many causes and that it can be classified in many ways.
Types of Depression Different types of depression can have a range of different symptoms. It’s generally agreed by mental health professionals that there are five main types of depression:
Further links to information about Depression We have compiled a list of useful links for you to browse. Please note that when each link is clicked, a new browser window will open. To return to our site, just close the new browser window by clicking on the top right-hand corner 'x'. The Black Dog Institute
About Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects about one Australian in 100. This may not sound like very many, but it’s the equivalent of 200,000 people, or the population of Hobart or the Northern Territory. Schizophrenia is not just a single mental illness. It is best understood as a cluster of illnesses that can have overlapping symptoms. Each person living with schizophrenia has his or her own unique version of the illness. Although some people experience only one or two brief episodes of schizophrenia, others will experience schizophrenia all their lives. The illness usually first appears in the teens and early adult years. It can develop suddenly, or it can take many months or even longer to become obvious.
Symptoms of schizophrenia Schizophrenia affects people in many different ways. However, some features are present in almost all cases:
Other common features of schizophrenia include a non-emotional, withdrawn personality. There is often a loss of drive and enthusiasm for everyday tasks. No one knows what causes schizophrenia. It is more common in those whose parents also have it, and there may be an inherited tendency towards certain forms of abnormal brain chemistry.
Treatment of schizophrenia Modern medications, which are thought to correct brain chemistry, now enable most people with schizophrenia to live in the general community and lead relatively normal lives. Treatments for schizophrenia, both medical and psychosocial, are becoming increasingly effective. Usually before a person develops schizophrenia there is a period of disturbance or mild symptoms that occur before the onset of the illness. This period can be anything from a month to several years. If early interventions are begun during this period, the prospects for recovery or a milder course of illness are increased. Some of the early warning signs and symptoms are:
Further links to information about Schizophrenia We have compiled a list of useful links for you to browse. Please note that when each link is clicked, a new browser window will open. To return to our site, just close the new browser window by clicking on the top right-hand corner 'x'.
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