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!

  • Industrial Hearing Testing

    In the bustling world of industry, where the symphony of machinery and tools is ever-present, protecting one's hearing is paramount. Industrial Hearing Testing, a critical component of occupational health and safety, ensures that workers are safeguarded from the potential risks of occupational noise

    Read more
  • Infection Control

    Standards and Best Practice With all of the increased media attention on infection outbreaks such as AIDS and multi-drug resistant strains of viruses, it's no wonder people have heightened concerns about infection control during a medical procedure. Gloves, gowns and masks are required to be worn

    Read more
  • Inflammation in Pain

    The Role of Inflammation in Pain Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. While inflammation is essential for healing, it can also contribute to pain, particularly in chronic conditions. Inflammation triggers the

    Read more
  • Interventional Pain Management

    The Concept of Interventional Pain Management Interventional pain management is a specialized field within pain management that focuses on the use of procedures to treat and manage pain. These procedures, which are often minimally invasive, can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life

    Read more
  • Introduction

    Does mercury in the silver fillings in your mouth pose any long-term health risks? Does fluoride, in spite of everything we've been told since childhood, actually cause more harm than good? What does the latest research reveal about tobacco use on your overall oral health? This section is dedicated

    Read more
  • Invisalign®

    Invisalign's® invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners will give you the beautiful straight teeth you've always wanted. And best of all, no one can tell you're wearing them. Invisalign® is great for adults and teenagers. What is Invisalign®? Invisalign® is the invisible way to straighten your

    Read more
  • Jackson Weiss Syndrome

    Jackson Weiss Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the development of the feet and toes. Named after the physicians who first described it, Jackson Weiss Syndrome primarily manifests as abnormalities in the structure and alignment of the toes, leading to distinctive features and potential

    Read more
  • Jaw Disorders

    People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth. One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your

    Read more
  • Jaw/TMJ

    People who grind their teeth can sometimes develop a serious problem with their jaw, which left untreated, can adversely affect the teeth, gums and bone structures of the mouth. One of the most common jaw disorders is related to a problem with the temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your

    Read more
  • Jogging and Running

    Jogging and running are popular forms of aerobic exercise that offer numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you're an experienced runner or a novice jogger, understanding the fundamentals of these activities, including proper techniques and safety precautions, is essential for maximizing

    Read more
  • Lacerations and Cuts

    Any kind of cut to your face and the delicate soft tissues inside your mouth should be addressed immediately in order to prevent further tissue damage and infection. If a traumatic injury involves a broken facial bone such as the jaw, nose, chin or cheek, maxillofacial surgery may be required. With

    Read more
  • Latex Allergy

    Naturally occurring latex has been linked in recent years to allergic reactions in people who use such products as latex gloves. The proteins in the latex, which can also become airborne, can cause problems in vulnerable people such as breathing problems and contact dermatitis. Some allergic reactions,

    Read more
  • MRI

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the field of podiatry, providing unparalleled insights into the foot and ankle’s intricate structures. This non-invasive imaging technique offers detailed images of soft tissues, bones, and other structures, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment

    Read more
  • Managing Back Pain

    The Complexity of Pain Management Pain management is a multifaceted 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 techniques

    Read more
  • Managing Pain

    There are many methods for relieving oral pain. They include: Ice packs on the affected area. Avoiding hard candy or ice. Avoiding sleeping on your stomach. Dentists use a wide array of pain management tools, including: Anesthetics such as Novocaine. Analgesics such as aspirin

    Read more
  • Maxillofacial Surgery

    When facial reconstruction, including procedures involving the oral cavity, is called for, a specialist is needed. Surgical procedures of the neck and head area are performed by a maxillofacial surgeon. Common maxillofacial procedures include denture-related procedures and jaw surgery. Jaw Correction Protruding

    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