Mental disorders or mental disorders are diseases that affect the emotions, thought patterns, and behavior of sufferers. Just like physical illnesses, mental illnesses also have cures.
In Indonesia, people with mental disorders are identified with the term ‘crazy people’ or ‘mentally ill’, and often experience unpleasant treatment, even to the point of being shackled. In fact, people with mental disorders can be taken to the hospital for treatment.
There are many factors that can trigger mental disorders, ranging from suffering from certain diseases to experiencing stress due to traumatic events, such as the death of a loved one, losing a job, or being isolated for a long time. Given that these traumatic events are often experienced by many people lately, it is not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic is also often associated with the emergence of mental disorders in someone.
Causes of Mental Disorders
It is not yet known exactly what causes mental disorders. However, this condition is known to be related to biological and psychological factors, as will be explained below:
- Biological factors or also called organic mental disorders
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- Disorders of the function of nerve cells in the brain.
- Infections, for example due to Streptococcus bacteria.
- Congenital abnormalities or injuries to the brain.
- Brain damage due to impact or accidents.
- Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during the birth process.
- History of mental disorders in parents or family.
- Long-term drug abuse, such as heroin and cocaine.
- Malnutrition.
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- Psychological factors
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- Traumatic events, such as violence and sexual abuse.
- Loss of a parent or neglect in childhood.
- Lack of ability to get along with others.
- Divorce or death of a partner.
- Feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, anger, or loneliness.
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In addition to the psychological factors mentioned above, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that being in a pandemic situation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can also be a stress trigger that then makes someone more susceptible to mental disorders. This stress can come from fear and worry about health, finances, or work, which are greatly affected by the pandemic.
Symptoms of Mental Disorders
Symptoms and signs of mental disorders depend on the type of mental disorder experienced. Sufferers can experience disturbances in emotions, thought patterns, and behavior.
Some examples of symptoms and characteristics of mental disorders are:
- Delusions, which is believing something that is not real or does not correspond to the actual facts.
- Hallucinations, which is the sensation when someone sees, hears, or feels something that is not actually real.
- Mood swings in certain periods.
- Feelings of sadness that last for weeks, even months.
- Feelings of anxiety or fear that are excessive and continuous, to the point of interfering with daily activities.
- Eating disorders, such as fear of gaining weight, tending to vomit food, or eating large amounts.
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as easily feeling sleepy and falling asleep, difficulty sleeping, and breathing problems and restless legs while sleeping.
- Nicotine or alcohol addiction, and drug abuse.
- Excessive anger to the point of going berserk and committing acts of violence.
- Unusual behavior, such as screaming incoherently, talking and laughing to oneself, and going out of the house naked.
In addition to psychological symptoms, people with mental disorders can also experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, back pain, and stomach ulcers.
Immediately consult a mental health specialist (psychiatrist) if you experience the above symptoms, especially if several of these symptoms appear simultaneously and interfere with daily activities.
If someone around you shows symptoms of mental disorders, invite them to share and talk nicely about the symptoms they are experiencing. If possible, take them to see a psychiatrist. Go to the emergency room of a mental hospital immediately if they show signs of harming themselves and others, especially if they have suicidal thoughts. If this happens to someone around you, stay with them and call the emergency number.
Examples of Mental Disorders
After conducting a number of examinations, the doctor can determine the type of mental disorder the patient is experiencing. Of the many types of mental disorders, some of the most common are:
- Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes sufferers to feel constantly sad. Unlike ordinary sadness that lasts for a few days, feelings of sadness in depression can last for weeks or months. - Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes hallucinations, delusions, and chaotic thinking and behavior. Schizophrenia makes sufferers unable to distinguish between reality and their own thoughts. - Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are mental disorders that cause sufferers to feel excessive and continuous anxiety or fear in carrying out daily activities. People with anxiety disorders can experience panic attacks that last a long time and are difficult to control. - Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by changes in mood. People with bipolar disorder can feel very sad and hopeless during one period, then very happy during another period. - Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders are changes in sleep patterns that interfere with the health and quality of life of the sufferer. Some examples of sleep disorders are difficulty sleeping (insomnia), nightmares (parasomnia), or falling asleep very easily (narcolepsy).
Treatment of Mental Disorders
To determine the type of mental disorder suffered by the patient, the psychiatrist will conduct a psychiatric medical examination by interviewing the patient or his/her family. Questions that will be asked include:
- Symptoms experienced, including when the symptoms appeared and their impact on daily activities.
- History of mental illness in the patient and his/her family.
- Events experienced by the patient in the past that triggered trauma.
- Medications and supplements that have been or are being consumed.
In order to rule out the possibility of other diseases, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations. One of the supporting examinations performed is a blood test. Through a blood test, the doctor can find out whether the patient’s symptoms are caused by thyroid disorders, alcohol addiction, or drug abuse.
Treatment for mental disorders depends on the type of disorder experienced and its severity. In addition to cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, doctors will also advise patients to live a healthy lifestyle.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that aims to change a patient’s thinking patterns and responses from negative to positive. This therapy is the main choice for treating mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, sleep disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. In many cases, doctors will combine cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, so that treatment is more effective. - Medications
To relieve the symptoms experienced by patients and increase the effectiveness of psychotherapy, doctors can prescribe a number of the following medications:
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- Antidepressants, such as fluoxetine.
- Antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole.
- Anxiety relievers, such as alprazolam.
- Mood stabilizers, such as lithium.
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- Lifestyle changes
Living a healthy lifestyle can improve the quality of sleep for people with mental disorders who also experience sleep disorders, especially when combined with the above treatment methods. Some steps that can be taken are:
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- Reduce sugar intake in food.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Limit consumption of caffeinated beverages.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Manage stress well.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a snack with a little carbohydrate before bed.
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
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If experiencing a severe mental disorder, the sufferer needs to undergo treatment at a mental hospital. Likewise, if the sufferer cannot undergo independent treatment or the mental disorder causes the sufferer to do actions that endanger themselves and others.
Complications of Mental Disorders
Mental disorders can cause serious complications, both physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. In fact, one untreated mental disorder can trigger other mental disorders. Some complications that can arise are:
- Feeling unhappy in life.
- Conflict with family members.
- Difficulty in establishing relationships with others.
- Alienation from social life.
- Addiction to cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs.
- Desire to commit suicide and harm others.
- Getting caught up in legal and financial problems.
- Vulnerable to illness due to decreased immunity.
Prevention of Mental Disorders
Not all mental disorders can be prevented. However, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of mental disorder attacks, namely:
- Actively participate in social and enjoyable activities.
- Share with friends and family when facing problems.
- Exercise regularly, eat regularly, and manage stress well.
- Set a regular sleep and wake schedule every day.
- Follow exercises to calm the mind or relax, such as meditation and yoga.
- Do not smoke and do not use drugs.
- Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages and caffeinated beverages.
- Take medication prescribed by a doctor according to the dosage and instructions for use.
- Check with a doctor or psychologist for an initial mental health screening, or if symptoms of mental disorders appear.
