Mental Health

Mental health disorders are common and can affect anyone, no matter their age. It’s believed that as many as 54 million Americans suffer from a mental disorder every year. It can be difficult for families to accept that a loved one has a mental illness. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, know that there are many resources available to help.

What is Mental Illness?

No doubt you’ve heard a lot of about mental illness, but how much do you really know about it? A mental illness is a disorder that affects the thoughts and behaviors of an individual, and can make it difficult to cope with day-to-day life. There are currently over 200 different types of mental illness. Some produce more mild symptoms, while other can be more severe and debilitating.

Common forms of mental illness include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Dementia

You may start to notice personality or mood changes in someone you love. They may also change their habits or seclude themselves from social interactions.

Mental illness can be caused by severe stressors, including death, divorce or job loss. It may also be caused by a genetic component, chemical imbalance, or a combination of all of these. Fortunately, with proper treatment, those with a mental illness can often learn to cope with their disorder and lead a healthy life.

The Warning Signs

It can be challenging to determine whether someone you love is dealing with mental illness, particularly in young children and teens. Here are some of the most common symptoms.

Adults and Teens

  • Persistent sadness or irritability
  • Extreme anxiety or fear
  • Having extreme emotional highs and lows
  • Severe anger
  • Delusional thoughts
  • Confused thinking
  • Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Substance abuse
  • Inability to cope with daily life

Older Children and Pre-teens

  • Substance abuse
  • Vandalism, theft or defying authority
  • Intense or unpredictable mood swings
  • Poor appetite
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Outbursts of anger
  • A change in sleeping or eating patterns
  • Inability to manage responsibilities at school or home

Young Children

  • Poor school performance
  • Extreme fear or anxiety
  • Persistent nightmares
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Frequently being disobedient or angry, or throwing temper tantrums
  • Hyperactivity

Mental illness affects everyone, not just the individual. Families can find the support and care they need through both family and individual counseling.

How Can Your Family Physician Help?

Not only is your family doctor likely to be the first medical professional who identifies that an individual is experiencing the symptoms of a mental illness, they may be able to provide referrals, help you build a treatment plan, or even have a mental health professional on staff. Never hesitate to bring up any unusual symptoms you or a loved one are experiencing with your primary care physician - even if those symptoms are mental, not physical!

  • Abscessed Tooth

    Treatment of an abscessed tooth An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus, usually caused by some kind of infection and the spread of bacteria from the root of the tooth to the tissue just below or near the tooth. In general, a tooth that has become abscessed is one whose underlying pulp (the tooth's

    Read more
  • Age and Oral Health

      Oral changes with age Is tooth loss inevitable in your later years? How much should adults be concerned about cavities? Here you will find helpful answers to some frequently asked questions about oral health questions you may have as you get older. National survey reveals baby boomers miss

    Read more
  • Air Abrasion

    Many people associate the high-pitched whirring of a dental drill with pain. Just the sound alone can make many people wince. A relatively new technique called air abrasion uses powerful particles of aluminum oxide to remove debris and decay. The most exciting thing for patients is that air abrasion

    Read more
  • Alcohol and Pain

    Alcohol, a commonly consumed substance worldwide, has complex effects on the human body. It can temporarily alleviate pain, leading some individuals to use it as a form of self-medication. However, chronic alcohol consumption can exacerbate pain conditions, complicating pain management strategies. Alcohol

    Read more
  • Alternative and Complementary Therapies for Pain Relief

    The Rise of Alternative Therapies In recent years, there has been a growing interest in alternative and complementary therapies for pain relief. These therapies offer a holistic approach to pain management, addressing not just the physical symptoms, but also the psychological and emotional aspects of

    Read more
  • Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS)

    Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is a congenital condition that occurs when fibrous bands from the inner lining of the amniotic sac wrap around parts of the fetus, restricting blood flow and affecting normal development. When these bands affect the foot, they can lead to various abnormalities and complications

    Read more
  • Anatomy of a Shoe

    Choosing the proper footwear goes beyond style; it directly impacts foot health. Understanding the anatomy of a shoe is crucial for maintaining healthy feet and preventing various foot-related issues. Each component significantly provides support, stability, and comfort from the sole to the upper. The

    Read more
  • Anesthesia

    Dentistry has advanced to the point in which pain is almost a thing of the past. Powerful pain-killing medications known as anesthetics not only help a patient avoid discomfort during a procedure, but post-operatively as well. Some patients, especially children, may require higher doses of anesthetic

    Read more
  • Ankle Surgery

    Ankle surgery is a common procedure performed to address a variety of conditions that can affect the ankle joint. From fractures to arthritis, ankle surgery can help restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life. Understanding the Ankle Joint The ankle joint is a complex structure made

    Read more
  • April 2022 Dental Newsletter

    The Importance of Preventive Care: Maintaining Good Oral Health Preventative dental care is a significant part of overall dental health, but it's often an afterthought. Our dedicated dentist sees many patients who don’t keep up with consistent preventative oral care and then must fix the problems

    Read more
  • Arthritis Pain Management

    The Multifaceted Nature of Pain Management Pain management is a comprehensive approach designed to alleviate discomfort and enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with chronic pain. It encompasses a range of treatments, including medication, counseling, physical therapy, and specialized

    Read more
  • Bad Breath (halitosis)

    An estimated sixty-five percent of Americans have bad breath. Over forty-million Americans have "chronic halitosis," which is persistent bad breath. Ninety percent of all halitosis is of oral, not systemic, origin. Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on over the counter halitosis products,

    Read more
  • Bleaching

    Bleaching and non-bleaching products are the two basic kinds of whitening products available today. Non-bleaching products normally use abrasives or chemicals and only remove surface stains on teeth. Bleaching products work with a chemical called peroxide and can brighten your teeth several shades. Another

    Read more
  • Bonding

    Bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth`s surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for an ideal smile. This procedure usually can be accomplished in a single visit. Bonding is often performed in order to fill in gaps or change the color of

    Read more
  • Braces (Orthodontia)

    Braces are applied to teeth for various reasons, including poorly aligned jaws, crooked, crowded and missing teeth, or a bad bite (also called malocclusion). Various things can cause teeth to become crooked or jaws misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Some conditions are inherited. Children

    Read more
  • Breaking the Pain Cycle

    Understanding the Pain Cycle Pain is a complex physiological response that serves as the body's warning system. When we experience injury or illness, our nervous system sends signals to our brain, which interprets these signals as pain. This is known as the pain cycle. In chronic conditions, this pain

    Read more

Contact Us

Send Us An Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed