What is mental illness?

A mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardised criteria. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems.

A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness.

Mental health problems are more common and include the mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life.

Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with.

Types of mental illness

Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Some of the major types are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder,personality disorders, and eating disorders.

The most common mental illnesses are anxiety and depressive disorders. While everyone experiences strong feelings of tension, fear, or sadness at times, a mental illness is present when these feelings become so disturbing and overwhelming that people have great difficulty coping with day-to-day activities, such as work, enjoying leisure time, and maintaining relationships.

At their most extreme, people with a depressive disorder may not be able to get out of bed or care for themselves physically. People with certain types of anxiety disorder may not be able to leave the house, or may have compulsive rituals to help them alleviate their fears.

Treatment of mental illness

Most mental illnesses can be effectively treated. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of mental illness and accessing effective treatment early is important. The earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome.

Episodes of mental illness can come and go during different periods in people’s lives. Some people experience only one episode of illness and fully recover. For others, it recurs throughout their lives.

Effective treatments can include medication, cognitive and behavioural psychological therapies, psycho-social support, psychiatric disability rehabilitation,avoidance of risk factors such as harmful alcohol and other drug use, and learning self-management skills.

It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this is not helpful in any way.

People with a mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different-it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed.

Types of mental health issues and illnesses

Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include symptoms that can affect a person’s thinking, perceptions, mood or behaviour. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can manage their mental illness with medication, counselling or both. This page lists some of the more common mental health issues and mental illnesses.

Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders is a group of mental health disorders that includes generalised anxiety disorders, social phobias, specific phobias (for example, agoraphobia and claustrophobia), panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder. Untreated, anxiety disorders can lead to significant impairment on people’s daily lives.

Behavioural and emotional disorders in children
Common behaviour disorders in children include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Treatment for these mental health disorders can include therapy, education and medication.

Bipolar affective disorder
Bipolar affective disorder is a type of mood disorder, previously referred to as ‘manic depression’. A person with bipolar disorder experiences episodes of mania (elation) and depression. The person may or may not experience psychotic symptoms. The exact cause is unknown, but a genetic predisposition has been clearly established. Environmental stressors can also trigger episodes of this mental illness.

Depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterised by lowering of mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, and reduced energy. It is not just feeling sad. There are different types and symptoms of depression. There are varying levels of severity and symptoms related to depression. Symptoms of depression can lead to increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

Natural Home Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

Hemorrhoids are swollen and distended veins in the anus and lower rectum. By age 50, about half the population has experienced symptoms of hemorrhoids, which include pain, itching, and rectal bleeding.

1) Increase Your Fiber
Several clinical trials have found that dietary fiber may reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, decrease bleeding, and improve other symptoms. Fiber softens stool and increases its bulk, which helps to reduce straining during bowel movements (straining increases pressure in the veins surrounding the anus).

In a report published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers analyzed seven previously published trials and found that fiber improved symptoms including itching, discomfort, and pain.

2) Flavonoids
Flavonoids are plant compounds found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Diosmin, hesperidin, and oxerutins are citrus flavonoids, found in oranges and lemons, that are thought to stabilize and strengthen veins and capillaries and reduce inflammation.

A study published in Techniques of Coloproctology found that a mixture of flavonoids decreased pain, bleeding, and swelling significantly and decreased the use of pain medication after 12 days of treatment, compared to a placebo.

3) Sitz Baths
A warm water bath for the buttocks and hips, a sitz bath is said to relieve itching and irritation. Many health professionals recommend a 20-minute sitz bath after bowel movements.

Some pharmacies carry small plastic tubs that fit onto a toilet seat, or you can sit in a regular bathtub filled with a few inches of warm water.

4) Witch Hazel Compress or Ointment
Witch hazel is thought to decrease the bleeding of hemorrhoids by acting as an astringent. It may also relieve pain and soothe the itching and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.

5 Tips for Natural Skin Care

What natural ways can you support healthy skin? Besides enhancing your appearance, your skin is your first line of defense against infections, chemicals, and environmental contaminants. It is actually an organ and your overall health and nutrition affect it the same as they do the other organs of your body. Apart from the body care products like moisturizers and those with active ingredients, these tips show natural ways to maintain the health of your skin.

1. Dry Brush Exfoliation
A dry brush exfoliation may be done before showering. According to alternative medicine practitioners, it eliminates dead skin cells and allows the skin to detoxify (skin is the largest organ of elimination). Dry brush exfoliation is also said to improve circulation and reduce puffiness. Some people may find the gentle pressure calming. A soft natural bristle brush is needed. Use long, upward strokes. Don’t overdo it, you don’t want to scratch the skin, but simply to loosen dead skin.

2. Improve Your Digestion
In alternative medicine, good skin is a reflection of a properly functioning digestive system. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis who also experience constipation and other digestive conditions may need to have their diet adjusted. Two common culprits are a lack of fiber and fluids.

3. Get Moving
Do you sit at your desk for hours, only getting up to go to the bathroom? One of the best things you can do for your skin, stress level, and overall health is to get moving. According to some alternative medicine practitioners, inactivity may affect the skin and promote bloating and puffiness, acne, cellulite, and loss of muscle tone. Any movement is good, but if you can raise your heart rate with a brisk walk, run, or other exercises, you will also send more blood circulation to the capillaries of your skin to nourish it and remove wastes.

4. Avoid Excess Sugar
In alternative medicine, sugar is linked to inflammation through a process called glycation, in which a glucose (sugar) molecule damages a protein molecule by adhering to it. The new molecules formed are called advanced glycation end-products, or AGEs.

5. Eat Good Fats
Essential fatty acids are fats that must be obtained through diet. Here are some suggestions on getting more EFAs in your diet.

Flaxseed and walnut oil: Use flaxseed oil or walnut oil with balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing. Be sure to keep these oils refrigerated. They should not be heated or used for cooking.
Cold water fish: Sardines and wild Alaskan salmon.

Steps to Wellness

Most people want greater health, more energy, and vitality, but have hectic schedules and no real time to try new things. These 10 simple steps may help:

Step 1: Replenish Your Energy
Energy is essential in this sleep-deprived, overstretched, high-speed world. How do we recharge our batteries when there is a constant drain on our resources? 5 Ways to Boost Your Energy

Step 2: Care For Your Skin
In alternative medicine, skin is considered the body’s mirror of our inner health and wellness, both physical and emotional.

Step 3: Revitalize Your Spirit
Many of us go through the day with so many responsibilities that we don’t have even a minute to care for ourselves. Meeting deadlines at work, taking care of family members, responding to a demanding client — we react and respond to the needs of others. It’s time to do some kind things to honor yourself. 5 Ways to Revitalize Your Spirit

Step 4: Revamp Your Diet
We are a culture of extremes and our diets are no exception. Many people are either “on” a healthy eating program, doing everything right and going to the gym faithfully, or they’re living on coffee and fast food. But there is an in-between. 5 Ways to Revamp Your Diet

Step 5: Cleanse Your Mind and Body
Our minds and bodies are constantly processing food, drink, thoughts, and emotions. In our 100-miles-per-minute world, we can easily feel overwhelmed. Take one day every week or month to stop and clear the mental and physical burden.

These simple suggestions can keep you feeling vital and refreshed. 5 Ways to Cleanse Your Mind and Body

Step 6: Improve Your Digestion
Do you inhale your food? Are you so busy that even chewing seems like a luxury? In alternative medicine, poor digestion is said to contribute to many ailments, such as low energy, pain, inflammation, arthritis, and allergies. In this part of the Wellness Makeover, find out about common culprits that may lead to sluggish digestion. 5 Ways to Improve Your Digestion

Can Licorice Keep You Heartburn-Free?

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an herb sometimes used as a natural treatment for heartburn. It’s thought that certain compounds found in licorice root can help lessen the irritation associated with heartburn (a common ailment and key symptom of acid reflux). When used for heartburn relief, licorice is frequently taken in chewable-tablet form and consumed prior to eating.

Why Do People Sometimes Use Licorice for Heartburn?
Heartburn occurs when the contents of your stomach move back into your esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach from your mouth).

When digestive fluids flow up into your esophagus, the acid found in those fluids can cause pain and burning sensations in your chest and/or throat. Along with soothing heartburn-related irritation, licorice is said to stimulate the release of chemicals involved in healing tissues damaged by acid reflux.

Heartburn is one of several digestive problems said to be remedied through use of licorice. Other digestive troubles commonly treated with licorice include stomach ulcers and gastritis (a condition marked by chronic inflammation of the stomach lining).

Research on Licorice and Heartburn

Although there’s currently a lack of clinical trials exploring licorice’s effectiveness for heartburn relief, some research shows that the herb may help treat heartburn-related health conditions.

Safety Concerns

While short-term use of dietary supplements containing licorice is generally considered safe, such supplements may trigger a number of side effects (including headache, tiredness, and water retention).

In addition, licorice is known to interact with several medications, including warfarin and other medicines used to slow blood clotting.

It should be noted that glycyrrhizin (a compound found in licorice) may increase blood pressure when consumed in large amounts for an extended period of time. For this reason, medical experts often recommend opting for dietary supplements made with deglycyrrhizinated licorice (a form of licorice with the glycyrrhizin removed).

4 Natural Solutions for a Dry Scalp

Natural remedies are often used in the treatment of dry scalp, a very common skin problem. In some cases, dry scalp may be triggered by environmental issues (such as dry outdoor or indoor air), while in other cases dry scalp is associated with conditions like dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. Here’s a look at several types of natural remedies said to be helpful:

1) Hair Oils
Applying hair oils may help treat dry scalp by restoring moisture to your skin.

These remedies include:

• argan oil
• coconut oil
• jojoba oil
• neem oil

One of the lesser-known oils said to act as a dry scalp remedy, Brahmi oil has long been used to enhance skin health in ayurvedic medicine. This oil contains extracts of the herbs Bacopa monnieri and Gotu kola, usually combined with sesame oil or coconut oil.

2) Tea Tree Oil
Although research on the use of any type of natural remedy in the treatment of dry scalp is lacking, there’s some evidence that tea tree oil may be beneficial in treating dandruff. A type of essential oil long used in aromatherapy, tea tree oil sometimes appears as an ingredient shampoos, conditioners, and scalp moisturizing products.

While few studies have tested tea tree oil’s effectiveness against dandruff, a report published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2002 indicates that shampoo enriched with tea tree oil may help people with mild to moderate dandruff.

3) Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Some practitioners of alternative medicine suggest that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids can treat dry scalp by improving your overall skin health. Available in dietary supplement form (including cod liver oil and krill oil supplements), omega-3 fatty acids are also found naturally in foods like flaxseeds and in oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, and herring.

4) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is touted as a natural remedy for dry scalp associated with dandruff. Proponents suggest that apple cider vinegar can restore the pH balance of the scalp and, in turn, inhibit the overgrowth of Malassezia furfur (a yeast-like fungus thought to contribute to dandruff development).

Health Insurance and Alternative Medicine

An increasing number of insurance companies and managed-care organizations are covering complementary and alternative medicine, fueled by consumer demand and a growing body of scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits and cost-effectiveness.

A recent survey of 18 major HMOs and insurance providers, including Aetna, Medicare, Prudential, and Kaiser Permanente, found that 14 of them covered at least 11 of 34 alternative therapies.

Chiropractic, massage therapy, and acupuncture are the three most-covered therapies followed by naturopathic medicine. Other therapies that are increasingly being included are herbal remedies, homeopathy, mind-body stress management, and meditation.

1. How do people pay for complementary and alternative therapies?

Most people pay for complementary and alternative medicine services and products themselves.

An increasing number of health plans offer some coverage of complementary and alternative medicine, however, it tends to be limited and varies from state to state.

2. How can I find out if there are any laws in my state about insurance coverage of a therapy I’m interested in?

You can try contacting the national professional association for that type of therapy, for example, associations for acupuncturists.

Many of these associations monitor the insurance coverage and reimbursement for their specialty.

3. I have health insurance. If I am interested in obtaining treatment from a practitioner, what financial questions should I ask?

First, you need to be informed about your health insurance plan. Does it offer any coverage of complementary and alternative medicine treatments? If so, what are the requirements and limits? For example, does the plan limit the conditions it will cover, require complementary and alternative medicine services be delivered by specific practitioners (such as a licensed medical doctor or practitioners in the company’s network), or cover only services if that plan determines to be medically necessary? Read your plan carefully, including the limits and exclusions. It’s a good idea to check with the insurance company before you seek treatment.