Mental Health Disorders

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting about 280 million people worldwide. It’s so common that most people will experience at least one period of depression in their lifetime.

The symptoms of depression can include:

• Low energy
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities
• Changes in sleep and appetite
• Feelings of sadness
• Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide

There are many types of depression, including perinatal depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and major depressive disorder. Each type of depression typically responds to treatment, including medications and talk therapy.

Most people experience some form of anxiety on most days. However, some people live with anxiety that overwhelms their ability to cope.

Anxiety disorders cause frequent or intense symptoms of anxiety that can be difficult to manage. There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Phobias
• Social anxiety disorder

Anxiety may respond to treatment that includes therapy sessions, medications, support, and lifestyle changes.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that over 40 million U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a serious, chronic mental health condition that affects about 2.8% of adults in the U.S. People with bipolar disorder typically experience alternating periods of mania (elevated mood) and depression. It is critical to find effective treatment for bipolar disorder, which typically includes:

• Periods of hospitalization or residential treatment for stabilization during periods of mania
• Medications
• Behavioral therapies
• Support groups

Comprehensive treatment programs can help people manage their symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance quality of life.

Schizophrenia is a serious, chronic mental illness that affects a person’s mood, behaviors, and thoughts. People with schizophrenia may exhibit symptoms that include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts
• Odd or erratic behaviors

Treatment options for schizophrenia typically include medications, therapy, coping skills, and community support.

Schizophrenia is less common than anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, but it still affects about 1.8% of the population, or about 3.7 million adults in the U.S.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects about 13 million Americans. PTSD can develop after someone experiences a highly distressing event. People with PTSD may experience symptoms, including:

• Avoidance of things related to the traumatic event
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Flashbacks of the event
• Nightmares
• Poor concentration
• Agitation or irritability

People with PTSD can use targeted behavioral therapies, medications, and other forms of support to manage their symptoms. 

Personality disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. About 15% of Americans, or 30.8 million adults, meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of a personality disorder. Common personality disorders include:

• Borderline personality disorder
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Avoidant personality disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
• Histrionic personality disorder

These and other personality disorders can be challenging to treat. People experiencing symptoms of these disorders may require specialized behavioral therapies and long-term support.

Contact the mental health professionals at Renewed Light Mental Health to learn about these types of mental health disorders. 

Individual therapy involves working one-on-one with a licensed mental health practitioner. People work with their therapist to process emotions and learn new coping skills. They may also identify unhealthy patterns and behaviors and work toward goals. Therapy is private, confidential, and typically covered by insurance.

There are many types of group therapy. Groups of people work with a trained mental health professional. Together, they learn new skills, improve communication, and address mental health challenges.

Family therapy allows family members to address conflict, process thoughts and feelings, and work toward goals together. Family members work with a trained counselor to address issues and improve relationships.

Couples counseling can help people address concerns, work through challenges, improve communication, and more. Couples may attend counseling at any stage to work toward a healthier relationship.

People may attend grief counseling after experiencing a significant loss. This form of counseling can help people manage grief in healthy ways.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. CBT helps people understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It focuses on identifying negative thinking patterns and learning how to change them. Recognizing unhealthy patterns may help people make lasting changes and reduce unwanted behaviors.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that can help people reduce destructive behaviors, such as substance use and self-harm. People learn to regulate emotions, tolerate distress, and have healthier relationships.

DBT teaches skills in four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It often includes both individual and group therapy.

Contact Renewed Light Mental Health specialists to learn more about our therapy services. You may also explore any of our other mental health treatment programs.