Help Someone with Bipolar Disorder

 

Human mind is a powerful tool shaped over millennia of evolution. However, it is also a delicate and finely balanced tool. The extreme stresses of modern lifestyles can often get to people. While most manage somewhat fine, some people find these stresses challenging to manage. These people may have a family history of mental disorders or environmental or personal factors that affect them. Due to this predisposition, some people may develop signs of mental disorders.

 

One such condition is called bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder can experience extreme mood swings in a short span. They have trouble controlling their moods and emotions during these episodes. It can take a toll on a person's life, and they can find it challenging to form meaningful relationships. According to the WHO, as of 2019, more than 40 million people live with bipolar disorder worldwide. It is a serious mental health issue and requires qualified professional intervention.

 

This article talks about various issues relating to bipolar disorder. It goes into some detail about the condition and its symptoms. It aims to educate people about the condition and how they can help loved ones with bipolar disorder.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

 

Psychologists categorize bipolar disorder as a mood disorder. It is a life-long condition, and there is no known cure. However, some techniques can help manage the severity of the condition. People with this condition typically exhibit either of two extremes during an episode. They may show depressive signs and become lethargic and mentally and physically tired. Alternatively, they may exhibit mania and become very irritable and energetic.

 

Note that people with this disorder typically exhibit these extremes only during episodes. Beyond these episodes, they are usually stable people with regular moods and habits. This disorder used to be called ‘manic depression’', but that term has since been replaced. Diagnosing a person with bipolar disorder can be tricky for several reasons. To diagnose a patient, their doctors often conduct a battery of tests. Tests may involve physical examination, psychological evaluations, and a chat with family members.

 

Various countries and medical boards have unique criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder. The APA publishes the DSM-5, a detailed study of standards for this purpose in the United States of America. Doctors study the test results and symptoms per the APA’s recommendations. Making a bipolar diagnosis in children and teenagers can be even more challenging. Their brains are still developing, making it difficult to analyze the symptoms appropriately.

 

 

Types of Bipolar Disorder

 

As with other mental conditions, research on bipolar disorder is still in its infancy. There is a lot that scientists are still studying the details about the disorder. However, there are currently four types of bipolar disorder commonly observed:

 

1.          Type I: These people suffer from episodes of both depression and mania. Their symptoms may be pretty intense and severe. Their manic episodes may even land them in a hospital due to physical injuries. They may experience mixed states of emotion - mania and depression together.

 

2.          Type II: People with this type of bipolar disorder experience something called hypomania. Their manic or euphoric episodes are not as severe or intense as in Type I. But this form of bipolar is characterized by more extreme depressive episodes.

 

 

3.          Cyclothymia: This type of bipolar disorder is characterized by milder mood swings. Though it may sound better than Types I or II, that may only sometimes be the case. Though mild, these mood swings are far more frequent in patients. In some extreme cases, these unstable moods may last for two years.

 

4.          Others: Such people show various symptoms of bipolar disorder. But they cannot be classified into one of the above types. Such cases may be diagnosed as a specified or unspecified form of bipolar disorder.

 

 

An Open Dialogue on Bipolar Disorder

 

Living with bipolar disorder can be an exhausting experience, physically and mentally. People with bipolar may not even have a proper diagnosis for their condition. In such cases, it becomes essential for their loved ones to be supportive. The first step in handling any mental disorder is to have a frank and open talk about it. Bipolar disorder can exhibit itself through some extreme symptoms. Intense mood swings can be alarming and frightening for patients.

 

When a loved one, be it a friend or a family member, allows them to talk, it can be pretty helpful. Let the patient know that their actions are not being judged. People with bipolar disorder often cannot truly control their actions. It makes them feel guilty about the way they behave. The focus of the dialogue should be on making them feel at ease.

There are many websites and discussion forums on the Internet that can help. These resources can help broach the topic of bipolar disorder with their loved ones. There is, of course, the option of talking to a qualified mental health professional and discussing the diagnosis helpfully and sensitively.

 

Understanding The Symptoms

 

Many people feel stressed living with someone with bipolar disorder. The symptoms can be extreme and affect the family’s mental health. Family members should educate themselves on the signs and symptoms a patient may showcase. A person with bipolar disorder may not be fully aware of the consequences of their actions. It is especially true during an extreme manic episode where they may be very irritable.

 

However, the vital thing to realize here is that bipolar disorder is a mental disorder. It may be challenging, but loved ones must remember the diagnosis and try to be for them. Often, patients are not entirely in control of their actions or words. Therefore, their loved ones must develop a forgiving nature. This statement does not, however, excuse abuse or any ill-treatment. All such instances must be discussed calmly and clearly once the episode has passed. The only way to help a bipolar person is to be a patient and stable person on whom they can rely.

 

As stated earlier, there is no known cure for bipolar disorder. The condition can be managed depending on the extent and severity of the symptoms. But even in the best cases, the symptoms do not completely vanish. Thus, it requires a patient mindset to live with and help someone with bipolar disorder. It also helps to set practical and realistic expectations of the treatment regimen.

 

Handling Bipolar Episodes in the Family

 

Bipolar people aware of the diagnosis often rely on others for support. If their symptoms are intense, they may want to reach out and ask for help. As mentioned earlier, in extreme cases, symptomatic episodes may land in hospitals. So, it may help to reach out and offer support practically. A loved one can reach out to a bipolar person when they are stable and formulate a plan. There are many things one can do to help manage a bipolar episode:

 

1.               Some people find redirecting their extra energies during a manic episode helpful. They find it beneficial to take on a creative project that grabs their attention. If a loved one notices the symptoms of a manic episode, such creative projects can help.

 

      2.      In many cases, bipolar episodes are triggered by stress. If a loved one sees a bipolar person taking too much pressure, they can alert them to it. They may even offer to take some of the load off and ease their stress.

   3.      Some bipolar people make terrible financial decisions during their manic episodes. A loved one can help them by preventing or cautioning against such rash decisions. In some relationships, they may temporarily help manage the person’s finances.

 

 

4.          During depressive episodes, bipolar people may find it challenging to maintain a routine. A loved one can step up and help them stick to their routine.

 

Importance of Self-Care

 

Taking care of a person with mental health issues can be very taxing. It often leads to the carer developing mental health problems of their own. The stress of handling another person’s issues and one’s own can quickly build up. In the case of people with bipolar disorder, it can be particularly challenging. Their mood swings can be extreme, and it can be very exhausting dealing with them. Therefore, most experts also recommend keeping an eye on one’s mental health when caring for individuals with mental health problems.

 

People who wish to help others with bipolar should know their limitations. It helps to have one’s personal goals and ambitions in focus too. Otherwise, the carer may get overwhelmed by the needs and requirements of their loved one. Set realistic expectations of oneself and the treatment course. Do not expect the symptoms ever vanish entirely. It also helps to talk about one’s feelings and stresses openly. Seek help from other friends and family members when required.

 

Caring for a person with bipolar disorder can be a lonesome and tiring experience. It is essential to maintain a focus on mental health. Otherwise, one risks heading for burnout and a severe mental health issue of their own.

 

Seeking Professional Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

 

People with bipolar disorder may not always know that they need help. As an external observer, a loved one can provide an objective point of view. However, convincing a patient can be tricky since there are no physical symptoms. The main complication lies in the unique nature of the bipolar disorder. When a person is in a euphoric episode, they may refuse to accept they need help. In a depressive state, they may feel something is wrong but have no energy to do anything about it.

 

As with many other things, it all comes down to patience. One must calmly and patiently explain the situation to the person and try to convince them. The only way to manage bipolar disorder is through professional medical help. Loved ones can try to persuade bipolar patients by talking about the symptoms they see. It is important not to make the person feel guilty. In some cases, the signs may be clear, and they may already feel horrible about them.

Managing and Living with Bipolar Disorder

 

The treatment and management of bipolar disorder is a lifelong exercise. A bipolar person needs a reliable friend or family member to support them in the treatment. It is always best to consult a qualified mental health expert on such matters and can recommend a combination of mental health exercises and medicines. As the treatment course progresses, the symptoms may reduce in intensity and frequency. However, they rarely completely disappear.

 

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental condition that affects people’s moods. It can be mentally and physically draining on the person suffering from it. However, it can take its toll on their loved ones as well. There are many things that a person who wishes to help in such cases should keep in mind. With the right support, a person with bipolar disorder can lead a full and healthy life.

Must read : Family Life and Mental Health

 

Family Life and Mental Health | Online Docs

 Everyone knows the adage: Humans are social animals. Since humans evolved from early primates, they have been part of a social hierarchy. Even the other primates’ humans are related to following a similar social structure. Monkeys, chimpanzees, and even gorillas have distinct social and family structures. Humans, therefore, are hardwired to form social bonds and live with each other as a family.

Throughout history, people and cultures have placed huge importance on families. The family unit is so important that people built entire cultures around it. But what mental stress do these relations place on the people in these families?

Mental health is a fairly broad and nuanced topic that covers various aspects. It can refer to mental stress, which is becoming quite common nowadays. It may also refer to other more serious topics such as mental disorders. People struggling with mental health issues can rely on their families for support.This article examines how a family unit can help its members manage their mental health productively. 

What is a Family?

A family is the most basic unit of the human society. The Oxford Dictionary calls a group of parents and children living together, a family. This is, of course, only a textbook definition. A family is any group with whom a person feels a strong emotional connection. 

Some people have a strained relationship with their parents and live away from them, but that is also considered a family. Others may not have children and lead happy and contented lives. These are all very valid and acceptable forms of families.

A person can have multiple families depending on the view point. There is the family one is born into - with parents and possibly siblings. As people grow, they may have roommates and make friends. This, too, is a kind of a family - maybe for a short duration, but a kind of family, nonetheless. As people grow and find romantic love, they can start a family of their own with their partners. So, the term ‘family’ can mean whatever a person may want it to mean.

Mental Health Issues Among Families

Family is the basic building block of society. Every individual relies on his/her family from time to time for guidance and love.

Mental health of couples

Maintaining a romantic relationship can be quite tricky. Being in a committed relationship requires people to open up on a deeply personal level. Such a level of intimacy may be challenging for some people. But it can be even harder for people with a mental disorder. There are many reasons for this. 

For one, some mental disorders may make it difficult to form meaningful relations. Secondly, there is an unfortunate stigma toward mental disorders in society.

One of the most common reasons behind mental disorders is the stress of modern living. Many people struggle to maintain a balance between their personal life and work. The stress of balancing another person’s emotional needs on top of their own might be taxing. As a result, people may develop some early symptoms of mental health issues like depression or mood disorders. 

But it is important to understand how to be helpful in such times. It may help to talk to one’s partner about stresses and struggles in life. Taking a break away from one’s usual surroundings can also work wonders. But if these small changes do not help, it may be time for professional intervention.

Mental health issues among parents and children

Most people indeed think parenting is a great blessing. But, becoming a parent is a huge responsibility for several reasons. A parent is responsible for how their child learns and develops. Children can pick up a lot of habits by observing and copying their parents. So, parents lead lives with dual responsibilities. But being responsible for another human being can quickly become quite stressful. It can build up quickly, especially if one is mentally under-prepared for parenthood.

Everyone wants to provide a healthy and happy home for their children. But it can be challenging, especially if one of the parents is living with a mental disorder. People struggling with depression or anxiety issues can find parenting quite difficult. Seeing their parents struggle can have a negative impact on the children. Thus, it is important to talk about mental health issues in a family and make the children understand it. The first step in managing mental disorders is to talk about them openly.

Mental disorders can be quite disruptive to a family dynamic. If these conditions are ignored, they can grow to an almost unmanageable level. In a family with children, this can have quite a disastrous impact. Parents and children need to normalize talking about these issues. 

How to support parents’ mental health

There is a lot of information on the internet supporting children’s mental health needs. Everyone agrees that this is an essential aspect of parenting. Children, being young and naive, may not always be able to express their needs properly and extra care needs to be taken. But parenting can be a very challenging task too. Being a parent takes its toll on a person’s mental well-being. It is important to understand the stress of parenting and address those needs also.

Parents of newborn children mostly experience high levels of stress. It can be a huge task to provide a quality life to a child. Their energy and erratic sleep schedules can wreak havoc on parents’ mental health. Even as they grow, children can be difficult to handle. Communicating and disciplining a child can be almost impossible for some people. All these tasks are challenging enough not considering the mental health issues of the parents. It becomes a mountainous task to take care one’s as well as a child’s mental health needs.

There are mental health experts who can help parents with such problems. Psychologists who specialize in helping children can also assist parents with various issues. They can suggest mental health exercises and routines that can relieve stress as a family. Seeking help from qualified professionals can improve the parenting experience.

How To Support Children’s Mental Health

A child’s mind is a very malleable thing. Children can pick up on behavioral and other cues from their parents. A child’s family is often their first school, in a sense, and it influences their personality greatly. Seeing parents stressed and in a negative mindset influencechildren’s attitude too. In some cases, such stressful issues early in the lives can have a long-lasting impact on children.

As medical and mental health sciences advance, researchers know more about mental disorders. Research suggests that mental issues like ASD and ADHD show symptoms quite early. Modern psychological tools can predict such mental issues in children quite accurately. With such early detection, parents can be better equipped to support their children. Parents can take many steps to support their children’s special needs.

Parents can consult specialists and experts to understand their children’s behavioral issues.Talking about such mental health issues often helps children feel welcome and happy. Professional medical advice can yield the best results for children in such cases.

How Family Structures Influence a Child’s Behaviors

Strong evidence suggests that children who grow up in a beautiful family arehappier and healthier. Painful experiences like separation or divorce affect children negatively. Various researchers studying these topics have found evidence to back these claims. 

The study was published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2012 and was done on 154 children admitted in a children’s behavioral center. According to the research, only 11% of these kids came from intact families. The stress of living through a separation or divorce impacted these children negatively. Children coming from single-parent homes showed more advanced symptoms of mental health issues like ADHD, etc. in the study.

All this is not to discourage people from ending unhappy relationships. But such research does caution parents about family structure. Children are naturally vulnerable to various external influences. A strong and stable family environment may be the rock they need in their lives. Parents play a huge role in providing this safe and secure household for their children.

Violence Or Abuse in Families and Its Effect

As mentioned earlier, there is deep rooted stigma against mental disorders. People living with mental health issues need help and support of their families. But there is a misconception in the society that these people are prone to violence. No evidence suggests that people with mental health issues are more violent. They are more likely to harm themselves than others. Hence, people with mental health issues look toward others for support.

However, violence and abuse in families is an unfortunate reality in society. People with or without mental health issues are capable of violent acts. Violence and abuse can take many forms. It may not even be physical harm, but that is also quite common. Abuse by one’s intimate partner can cause psychological or emotional trauma.Around 33% of women and 25% of men experience intimate partner violence.

Supporting a Family Member Dealing with Abuse

Identifying signs of abuse can be hard, almost impossible in some cases. It may be healthier to leave an abusive relationship, but here are challenges to it.Survivors fear social exclusion and retribution, if they do come out with the evidence. There may be cultural taboos that may prevent someone from walking out of an abusive family life. Abusers often apply financial and emotional stress to prevent survivors from leaving. Therefore, handling such matters and supporting survivors can be a complicated affair.

Survivors can often feel lonely or isolated due to the violence they experience. People who wish to help can start by offering love and support. It helps survivors feel more comfortable opening up about their trauma. Survivors should be encouraged to put themselves and their needs first. It helps build their confidence to stand up to the abuse. Seek professional help when handling cases of domestic abuse and involve legal experts as well.

Conclusion:

A family is the most basic social structure for humans. People often rely on their families to support and guide them through tough times. Families can play a huge role in helping people’s mental health. A healthy and open dialogue about mental health can help adults and children in a family.

Common Mental Health Disorder Affecting Children | Online Docs

Children are the building blocks of any society. Their mental health and well-being are our future, and we need to secure it. In today’s world, mental health problems affects both adults and children. The number of children suffering from mental health disorders is increasing exponentially which needs to be pondered upon. Good mental health cannot be defined as a happy, smiling child, for many problems are toodeep-rooted to be seen on the face.

Some children might be born with mental health disorders like ADHD, ASD, etc. which, affect them their whole life. They would need proper care at every point in their life to function like any other human.

Mental health disorders that affect children are:

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

 

Most people are familiar with the term ADHD or at the very least, have heard of it. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects various people. The symptoms of ADHD become the most apparent among school-going kids. As many as 6 million children live with ADHD as of 2019.

As the name suggests, ADHD is characterized by a reduced attention span. Children with ADHD are more likely than others to lose focus on any activity. They have a hyperactive brain which makes it difficult for them to focus. People should bear in mind that children are generally more active than adults but,not all kids who cannot concentrate in school have ADHD.

It is important to observe the symptoms and catch them early. The sooner these cases are brought to light, the more effectively they can be managed. Qualified psychologists can evaluate a case and suggest a course of treatment. There are treatment options that use behavioral and occupational therapy. These aim to help people overcome the symptoms and develop necessary life skills. Medical treatment may also be an option for some.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

 

Autism is another fairly common condition that affects many people. Earlier it was considered a unique condition. However, research suggests a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. Statistics indicate that ASD affects as many as 2.3% of US children under 8 years. Like ADHD, it is a neurological condition, and its symptoms typically show up early.

It can present itself in several forms, and its symptoms can vary in intensity. Many people with ASD have difficulty maintaining social interactions. It may not be the same as social anxiety, but it may present similarly. People with ASD can develop inflexible habits that may interfere with their lives. They may find it difficult to maintain a lengthy conversation.

People with ASD often have to live with the condition throughout their lives. That is not to say that there are no options. There are various promising options available to help people with ASD.Psychologists can study a possible case of ASD and draw up a management plan. They can suggest mental and behavioral exercises that can help manage symptoms. In some instances, they may even recommend a course of medical treatment.

 

Eating Disorders

 

While maintaining physical health is important, there are limits to the human body.People are constantly flooded with images of the ‘ideal body type’. Such a constant stream of information is bound to have an impact. Many fit people have become obsessed with achieving an impossible beauty standard. It can affect adults as well as children, typically teenagers.

Research suggests that around 1% of the US population lives with eating disorders. There are various types of eating disorders, most commonly anorexia and bulimia. They stem from a negative body image in people’s minds.

Anorexics tend to starve themselves to achieve an unattainable body type. Bulimics adopt a different strategy in their impossible quest. They eat large quantities of food only to throw it up, called purging. Another common disorder is binge eating, characterized by overeating at meals.

There are several mental symptoms as the problem is mental and not physical. People with eating disorders may exhibit signs of depression and social isolation. They are never satisfied with their body as they have deeply held body image issues. There are obvious physical symptoms, too, such as weight loss and a weak body. Treating and managing such eating disorders requires qualified professional help.

Mental health is an extremely important factor. It may help people get the qualified mental help they need and live a fulfilling life. In these highly stressed times, mental health among adults and children is declining. It is important to identify the symptoms of certain common mental disorders.

 

Realistic Celebrities Normalizing Mental Health | Online Docs

Movies and series constitute a major part of our day-to-day life. The celebrities who star in these have become a brand in themselves. People go to great lengths to follow their styles, attires, etc., leaving no stones unturned to become like them. This has become one of the major concerns of the society today.

But, the celebrity culture should not be discarded altogether. Some benefits have come out of this culture in the way that people follow celebrities’ footsteps and talk about their mental health more freely. 

The positive portrayal of mental health within the media, specifically by celebrities, encourages common people. They are now motivated to be open about their mental health problems. Many celebrities have come forward recently and have spoken up about the various mental health issues they are suffering from. As the stigma surrounding mental illness has declined in current years, so has the reluctance many have had to talk about their own intellectual fitness issues. 

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has spoken about his battle with depression. Mariah Carey lately found out she has bipolar disorder. Prince Harry stated he needed counseling to cope with years of grief and anger following the death of his mother, Princess Diana. 

The famous actor of “Deadpool”, Ryan Reynolds has stated he suffers from stress and anxiety disorder. “Talking about it (mental health issues) has assisted me in so many ways,” Ryan Reynolds stated. “In this age of poisonous masculinity, there’s variety of dudes available that will be inclined to bottle it up and maintain it in and assume that they simply form of they’ve been given to be a difficult man and soldier on. But that’s now no longer always true.”

Last year, Prince Harry was lauded for revealing, he sought assistance to address his feelings following his mother’s demise while as a child. He struggled with tension, grief, and rage and stated he had breakdown numerous times.

Diana Hughes is a professor of Applied Psychology at New York University, focusing on adolescent development. She sees brilliant value in celebrities and sports figures speaking about mental health issues. “I assume there’s an advantage to it as facilitate de-stigmatize it and to normalize it a little bit,” Hughes stated.

She added, “There‘s a variety of stigma connected to mental health issues, mainly amongst young adults due to the fact teens are continuously evaluating themselves to their friends and are very self-aware and worrying, growing a stigma to intellectual infection and assist seeking.”

Indian Celebrities who’ve suffered from mental disorders and have talked about it: 

VIRAT KOHLI: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, who took his team to a remarkable peak says he has struggled with his mental state throughout his career.  He said, “For the first time in 10 years, I haven’t touched my bat for a month. I’ve never done that in my life. I recently realized I was trying to fake my intensity a bit, I can do this, you’re competitive, you convince yourself you have the intensity, but your body is telling you to stop, your mind is telling you to just take a break and back off.”

                              “I looked at it as a man who has been mentally very robust. But everybody has limits and also you want to understand those restrictions. Otherwise, things can get dangerous for you. There is far more to life than your profession. Once the atmosphere around you is specified, everybody is focused at your skills. Somewhere in between those things you begin to lose perspective as a person’s being.”

“It is not abnormal to point it out and talk to people. Nobody will think you are too weak. You will get support from people that you never even imagined. But sometime we don’t talk about it because we are hesitant. We don’t want them to think we are stupid. Honestly speaking, for me pretending to be strong is much worse. And I’m not ashamed of feeling mentally weak.”

Honey Singh: A famous singer or a celebrity who is suffered from the severe symptoms of bipolar disorder. His words are “I had been totally cut off from the outer world for 18 months. I was not even able to come out of my room, and didn’t communicate with anyone. A person who had performed in front of a huge crowd, now I am scared to even face 2 or 3 people.” 

Kapil Sharma: A famous comedian actor who is famous for his show “The Kapil Sharma show.” He also battled depression from 2017-2018. He had previously revealed, “I suffered from anxiety and drank alcohol to extreme limits. I would lock myself up in the office. One of my friends told me to shift to his apartment to wander better seaside scenes. But it did not work in my situation as I saw the sea from his balcony and felt like jumping into it. It seems to me like the whole world was gunning for me.” He also confessed of his story of panic episodes and suicide ideas. Most people resort to drinking to self-medicates their symptoms of psychological state disorders. However, drinking only aggravates the issues resulting in addiction and worsen the mental health disorder.                                                        

Karan Johar:  He is an Indian filmmaker and big personality, who works in Bollywood cinema. He has started the careers of numerous a successful actor under his own Dharma production label. Johar stated, “I even studied people talking openly about their depression. There was a phase in my life, when I was actually depressed. When I went through that phase, I thought maybe I had gone through cardiac arrest. I felt it in between the middle of a meeting and I rushed to the doctor. The doctor said I’m having an anxiety attack. I realized that I had to deal with some internal issues that were building to the point of causing anxiety.” 

Hrithik Roshan:  He suffered from major episodes of depression. These levels brought about significant weight gain. Hrithik was given medication and consultation treatment. He is a member of #EverydayHeroes mental health awareness initiative. He said, “I’ve been through my ups and downs. I even experienced depression and confusion, as all of us do. It’s a completely ordinary thing. We need to be very informal about it while we talk about it. When you undergo a depressive episode, then the most essential element is clarity of thought. Sometimes your mind takes over and feeds you with undesirable thoughts. The time you want objectively, a person who actually looks at you and guides you to right physician so, you can improve your situation as soon as possible.”

IIeana D’ Cruz: You won’t believe a lady as bodily ideal as IIeana questioning there is something incorrect with the manner her frame looks. However, this is precisely what took place for the beautiful actress with an hourglass figure. She has a body dysmorphia disorder in addition to bouts of depression. Body dysmorphia is a mental illness wherein the man or woman can’t prevent considering the issues of their appearance. This can also add to shamefulness and stress to the affected person, and may even keep them away from being in social situations. She said, “It is a chemical balance in your brain and wish it to be treated as early as possible. Don’t sit back and assume it will get okay, go get help such as if you have a sprain, and go get yourself checked. Similarly, if you’ve got depression, get help.”

@Onlinedocs Consultants is a mental health care platform consisting of professional psychiatrists who are skilled in their field. Go ahead and talk to them about your mental health needs and get the best mental health care.  

One of our clients talked about their mental health:  After struggling with depression for eight months. I lost my confidence and hope. I used to skip my meals and couldn’t even sleep. Furthermore, I was struggling with life, but I was hesitant to visit a doctor. Then what I found was an online treatment website where online psychiatrists are available 24*7, called Online Docs. I booked my appointment following a few easy steps and now I am improving in various aspects of my life. 

Conclusion: Our professional psychiatrists and skilled medical psychologists integrate first class pharmacotherapy with scientifically established psychotherapy to deal with mental illness disorders. When operating for a cause, customer satisfaction is everything. Our dream to overcome worldwide obstacles is coming true. With Online Docs, an ordinary man can get psychiatric consultations from the best doctors. We are on a mission to treat mental health challenges in India. There is nothing wrong with taking specialist assistance when suffering from your internal critics. We must step out of our comfort zone for our mental and emotional health and by no means hesitate to speak about such subjects openly. Make the most important step by calling our TOLL-FREE NO 080-6803-435 and starting your mental health journey today.

                                             

How to Identify Addiction and its Adverse Effects on Life | Online Docs

Addiction is a term that is used loosely in our society. We often hear people say that they are addicted to their phones or chocolates. But what does addiction really mean? And how does it affect our lives? This blog post will discuss addiction and its effects on our lives. We will also provide tips for identifying addiction and getting help for it.

 

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite damaging consequences. It is considered a disease because drug use changes the biochemistry of the brain. The changes are so complex that without professional intervention it would be next to impossible to break free.

 

People addicted to drugs may be unable to control their drug use and may continue using it despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction is complex, merely thinking about it as a problem will never make it go away.

 

“Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.”

 

Source: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

 

Addiction ruins our life by making us feel isolated and alone. It takes away our ability to enjoy activities that we used to love. It can cause financial problems and even lead to legal troubles. Addiction can cause health problems that, if left unattended, can take a person's life.

 

The addiction scene in India

 

It is not very different from the global scenario. A study by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Center (NDDTC) under AIIMS in 2016 showed that around 35 million people in India suffer from addiction. Of these, only about 0.06% seek professional help.

 

It is a considerable number, and it is only increasing day by day. With the easy availability of drugs and alcohol, more and more people fall prey to addiction. India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants.

 

That's not all, as addiction can be non-drug related also; for example, many people in India are addicted to social media, sex, and even gambling. Addiction is an extensive spectrum issue for Indian society; unfortunately, help is far from sufficient.

 

Addictive substances in India that are prolifically used:

 

As stated before, India's most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, sedatives, stimulants, and inhalants. Let's take a more detailed look at each of these:

 

Alcohol: Alcohol is by far the most commonly abused substance in India. It is legal and readily available. It is estimated that there are about 475 million drinkers in India. Of these, about 25% are considered to be heavy drinkers.

 

Tobacco: Tobacco is another widely abused substance in India. It is estimated that there are about 275 million tobacco users in India. This includes both smokers and chewers. Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer in India.

 

Cannabis: Cannabis is a plant that is native to India. It is widely available and used by many people. It is estimated that there are about 22 million cannabis users in India.

 

Opioids: Opioids are a group of drugs that includes heroin and prescription painkillers. They are highly addictive and can be very dangerous. It is estimated that about three million people in India use opioids.

 

Sedatives: Sedatives are a group of drugs used to help people sleep or relax. They are often prescribed by doctors but can be abused. It is estimated that there are about two million sedative users in India.

 

Stimulants:It is estimated that there are about one million stimulant users in India. Stimulants are a group of drugs that includes cocaine and methamphetamine. They are very addictive and can be dangerous.

 

Inhalants: Inhalants are a group of chemicals that people sniff or inhale to get high. They are very dangerous and can be deadly. It is estimated that there are about one million inhalant users in India.

 

These are just some of the most commonly abused substances in India. Addiction is a severe problem that affects a large number of people in India.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, connect with us, we are here to help.

 

How to identify addiction early on?

 

There are many signs and symptoms of addiction. If you think that you or someone you know may be struggling with addiction, here are some signs to look out for:

 

Changes in behavior: If a person is using drugs or alcohol, they may start to act differently. They may become more withdrawn or isolate themselves from friends and family. They may also start to miss work or school or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.

 

Changes in appearance: A person using drugs or alcohol may start to look different. They may lose weight, their skin may be unhealthy, and their eyes may be red or glassy.

 

Changes in mood: People using drugs or alcohol may seem more irritable, anxious, or depressed. They may also have sudden mood swings.

 

If you notice any of these changes in yourself or someone else, it may be a sign of addiction. If you feel like talking to someone about it we are here to listen and support you.

 

 

 

Do we have sufficient help in India to fight addiction?

 

Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are not enough resources in India to help people struggling with addiction. According to a report by the World Health Organization, there are only about 0.15 beds per 100,000 people in India for treating drug use disorders. This is far below the minimum standard of two beds per 100,000 people.

 

This lack of resources makes it difficult for people to get the help they need. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to reach out to us for help. We are here to support you. OnlineDocsprovides telepsychiatry services that can help you or your loved ones fight addiction. We have an impressive global talent pool that is ready to help you when you need it, with complete privacy and security.

 

What are the consequences of addiction?

 

Addiction can have many negative consequences. It can lead to physical and mental health, financial, and relationship problems, and job loss. Addition can also land a person in legal problems, such as arrest and incarceration.

 

Addiction breaks the very fiber of humanity.Addicts can seldom tell the difference between right and wrong. This is primarily because the chemicals in drugs and alcohol alter the way the brain functions. Over time, addiction can change the way our brains look and work. This can lead to problems with memory, decision-making, and judgment.

 

Addiction is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly. Mark our words; if left untreated, addiction can cause you many grave problems. Get help! Life is all about joy and making a positive impact on society.

 

Remember! Addiction not only affects the addict, but it also affects the souls of those who love them. Don't do this to yourself and those who love you.

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Life is about fighting circumstances and overcoming obstacles, addiction will surely make you lose this battle. So get up, reach out and seek help because we are here for you. You're not alone in this fight.

 Must Read : Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization 

 

Excessive Video Gaming To Be Named Mental Disorder By World Health Organization

The World Health Organization added associate sudden mental disorder to its list of psychological state conditions in 2018. People that play an excessive quantity of video games may notice themselves diagnosed with "Gaming Disorder." On May 25th, the WHO formally voted to undertake today's version of its International Classification of Diseases, or ICD, to consist of access on 'gaming disorder' as behavior addiction. This is a pass that might alarm parents all around the country. According to them, 97% of teenage boys and 83% of girls play video games on a few types of devices.  

Video games became progressively popular, with more individuals of all ages participating in competitions. As a result, computer game addiction has conjointly become a problem. According to the "fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-5), the disease usually presents in juvenile males around 12 to 20 years old.  

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras is the writer of the 2016 book "Glow Kids – How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids" he states that technology has profoundly affected children's brains and not for the better. Brain imaging studies show that stimulating sparkling displays are as dopamine activating to the mind's satisfaction as sex. A developing mountain of scientific studies correlates screen tech with problems like ADHD, anxiety, depression, multiple aggression, or even psychosis. Most surprisingly, current mind and research conclusively display that publically immoderate display screens can neurologically harm a younger person's growing mind in the same way cocaine dependency can.  

What the Study disclosed about the consequences of Violent Video Games

The Study was conducted by Dr. Douglas Gentile, Associate professor of Psychology at Iowa State University and a nationally recognized authority on the impact of television on children and adults. It showed that youngsters who play violent games regularly develop aggressive thinking, which might alter their behavior. For the experiment, the researchers followed over 3,000 children in grades 3, 4, 7, and 8 for three years.

According to recent United States surveys of parents, children of school age spend, on average, roughly seven hours per week playing video games. It was found that kids played video games on average for 9 hours per week, with boys playing them for an average of 13 hours per week and girls for an average of 5 hours per week. In the mid-1980, kids averaged approximately 4 hours weekly playing video games, along with time spent playing at home.

The Study reveals that the amount of online games played has been correlated with various risk factors for non-adaptive development such as smoking, obesity, and poorer educational performance. Researchers consider "violent" those games that allow players to injure other characters within the game. Specialists studying media violence, child advocacy organizations, and parents are especially concerned about these games since they feature many violent scenes. More than half of youngsters in surveys of 4th through 8th graders indicate a preference for video games where the main action focuses primarily on actual or imagined violence. Violent video game choice has been associated with hostile attribution biases, more conflicts with teachers, worse self-perceptions of behavioral activity, and more physical fights.

Impact of video games on children's physical and mental health:

1. Anxiety is increased by playing violent video games: Studies examining the impact of a violent video game typically reveal significantly increased anxiety due to which heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase compared to non-violent video games. To illustrate, Ballard and West 1966 demonstrated that violent video games led to higher systolic blood pressure than non-violent games. The average size of the relationship between playing violent video games and physical reactions across studies was 0.222. Other physiological reactions have additionally been observed. The adult male brain has been shown to release dopamine when playing violent games. The physiological outcomes can be even greater for kids with more significant aggressive tendencies. Teenagers with trait hostility scored in the highest category on increased heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of testosterone and epinephrine. Additionally, there were tendencies for greater blood concentrations of cortisol and nor-epinephrine in the more irritable kids. It raises the possibility that children with a higher propensity for aggressive behavior may be even more vulnerable to the negative consequences of playing violent games. Violence in video games feeds the irrational urge to be aggressive: According to studies, bold emotions are more pronounced when playing violent video games. The average effect value across studies between playing violent video games and feeling aggressive was 0.18. According to studies, playing violent games make adults more anxious and hostile. According to the Study of 3rd through 5th graders, it increases the frustration level in children.

2. Pro-social behaviors are limited when playing violent video games: According to studies assessing player reactions while playing violent video games, their pro-social behavior is affected. Children who listed violent games as their favorite games to play were found by their peers to have fewer pro-social behaviors and more aggressive behavior in the classroom.

3. Loneliness and isolation: Loneliness is a global issue many individuals suffer at some point in their lives. People are subjected to unpleasant experiences. Loneliness is caused by the lack of enthusiasm in certain people's lives caused by significant failures in their social interaction networks. When young people spend long periods alone playing video games, they have less time in real life to engage with family and friends. Though many young gamers utilize online chat in multiplayer games, primarily to communicate with real-life pals, this should be balanced with interactions in the same physical place.

4. Depression (Depressive mental health disorder): In regular gamers, persistent listlessness, sorrow, or lethargy might be indicators of problem gaming. Depressive symptoms will be most noticeable while not playing the game, i.e., during the withdrawal phase. Video games have been linked to increased sadness and anxiety. However, correlation does not always indicate causation – people who are sad or depressed are driven to video games because they assist in repressing bad feelings. They acquire a gaming habit that causes them to get trapped in life. As a result, they are naturally dissatisfied.

Impact of gaming addiction on physical health:

1. Headache and migraine: Headache can be caused by physical factors such as eye strain, poor posture, and dehydration. They might be connected to mental health disorders like sadness and depression. 

2.Lack of physical activity: playing sedentary games for extended periods might lead to a lack of physical activity. The World Health Organization advises that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 engage in at least 60 minutes of physical excise every day.  

3.Repetitive strain injury: it can affect children and young people who play for an extended period. Symptoms of strain injury are stiffness, pains, and discomfort. For example, 'nintendonitis' refers to the thumb, wrist, and hand disorders caused by gaming system use. Eye strain is also prevalent if you stare at a screen for an extended time without taking breaks. Glare from such a computer display can also impair eyesight.

4.Inadequate nutrition: when gaming addiction takes hold, children or adolescents may skip meals, eat junk food, refuse to take bathroom breaks, or have poor hygiene. 

5.Poor posture: According to studies, as little as 5 minutes of gaming can cause bad posture, such as slouching into a rolled and rounded shoulder position with a forward head position to maintain your eyes on the screen.

6.Quality of sleep: playing exciting games for long periods, incredibly late at night, will result in poor quality sleep.

This degree of gaming can have a negative influence on mental, physical, and emotional disorders in several ways, including: 

• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise increase the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

• Neglected social skills as a result of a lack of interaction with persons outside an electronic environment

• Problems with focus and attention caused by video games' quick motions and fast-paced action

• Problems with growth as a result of avoiding tasks that encourage learning, self-discovery, and personal development

• Seizures and repeated stress injuries caused by flashing graphics, lights, and colors that may provoke epileptic episodes

• Increased hostility or violent behavior as a result of the content of some video games

Conclusion

According to this study, there is a direct link between physical health, stress, depression, and video gaming addiction. However, the connection between computer game addiction and social dysfunction was significant and negative. The study showed obese children to be more interested in computer games. In other words, playing more video games causes teens to stay at home, which leads to a lack of movement and obesity. This is considered a biological problem.

On the psychological dimension, video games negatively affect adolescent mental health. It directly impacts the violent behavior, stress, depression, and isolation of adolescents who play these games. Playing video games excessively affects people's mental health, and the severity and importance depend on factors such as the level and intensity of violence in the game. The player's ability to distinguish between the virtual world and the real world, the player's ability to inhibit their desires and motivations, the values they grew up with or lived with, and those values in the context and content of the games. Fear was one of the possible consequences of video games, which researchers study.

When you see delays in your child's growth, it can be stressful. Help is available thanks to our knowledgeable and dedicated specialists. Our specialists will assist you in determining which stages may be tolerated and which indications should not be ignored. We understand your child's requirements and offer reasonable, virtual assistance from the convenience of your own home. Our comprehensive approach guarantees that we work on all five areas of development at the same time: speech and language, cognitive, socio-emotional, delicate, and gross motor abilities.

Must Read : India's Mental Health: The Need to Improve Telepsychiatry's Prominence