Mental Health Coach in Phoenix, AZ

There are more than 200 types of mental illness, some of the more common and well-known being depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Mental Illnesses are brain-centered conditions, and since we all have brains, having some mental health problem at some time in our lives is very common.  Some of the more common types of mental illness are:

• Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias 
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia
• Hoarding Disorders
• Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders
• Dissociative Disorders
• Peripartum (postpartum) Depression
• Sleep Disorders

Mental health problems can be caused by a reaction to certain stressors and, as with medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, they can often be physical as well as emotional and psychological. Although there is no single cause for mental illness there are several risk factors such as:

• Genetics and family history
• Life experiences, such as stress, a history of abuse, or trauma, especially if they happened in childhood
• Chemical imbalances in the brain
• A traumatic brain injury
• Exposure to viruses or toxic chemicals before birth
• Use of alcohol or illicit drugs
• Having a serious medical condition
• Feeling lonely or isolated and having few friends.

Mental disorders are not character flaws, and they have nothing to do with being lazy or weak. With effective care and treatment, many people will learn to cope with or recover from a mental illness.

Many mental health disorders have a gradual onset and the initial signs can be so subtle that they go unnoticed, especially if the individual themselves, or the people around them, don’t know what to look for.  Some early signs of mental illness to be aware of are:

• Sleep or appetite changes
• A decline in personal care
• Rapid or dramatic mood changes
• Recent social withdrawal
• Lack of interest and apathy
• A decline in functioning at work, school, or socially
• Problems with concentration or memory
• Oversensitivity to sights, sounds, smells, or touch
• Avoidance of over-stimulating situations
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Feeling disconnected
• Illogical or irrational thinking
• Nervousness and suspicion
• Over-reacting
• Odd or uncharacteristic behavior
• Troubled relationships
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

If a person experiences several of the early warning signs (above) simultaneously, they should be seen by a physician or certified mental health professional as soon as practicable. People with thoughts of harming others, self-harm, or suicidal intent need immediate attention. If you or a loved one are seeking help or want more information on mental health disorders or therapy, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2375 East Camelback RD Suite 600 Phoenix, AZ 85016. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Paradise Valley AZ, Alhambra AZ, Tempe AZ, and surrounding areas.