Mental Health Challenges

What is a Mental Challenge?

A mental challenge is any disease or condition affecting the brain that influences the way a person thinks, feels, behaves and/or relates to others and to his or her surroundings

What Causes Emotional or Mental Challenges and Who is Affected?

Although the exact cause of most mental challenges is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. One thing is for sure--mental challenges are not the result of personal weakness, a character defect or poor upbringing, and recovery from a mental challenge is not simply a matter of will and self-discipline.

Examples of Mental Challenges Include:

- Depression /Bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Stress disorder
- Social phobia
- Eating disorders(anorexia, bulimia or over-eating)
- Addiction

Symptoms of Mental Challenges can Include:

- Confused thinking
- Long-lasting sadness or irritability
- Extreme highs and lows in mood
- Excessive fear, worrying or anxiety
- Social or family 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
- Thoughts of suicide
- Denial of obvious problems
- Many unexplained physical problems
- Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol