Understanding Mental Health Issues: Symptoms and Treatments

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Addiction is a disease that can happen to anyone, but it is more common among individuals suffering from mental health issues. Psychological conditions, from anxiety and depression to bipolar and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affect millions of people worldwide.¹ These mental health issues can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and their mental and physical health. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatments can assist you in seeking help for these conditions to improve your health and well-being. In individuals with a mental condition and addiction, known as a co-occurring condition, integrated treatment is recommended to effectively manage both conditions.²

CATCH Recovery is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support for individuals suffering from mental health conditions. This includes addressing co-occurring mental health issues and addiction, which often intertwine and exacerbate each other. With a focus on early diagnosis, personalised treatment plans and ongoing support, CATCH Recovery supports individuals to simultaneously manage mental health conditions and addictions, offering a proven path to recovery.

Overview of Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues are characterised by significant disturbances in an individual’s thinking, behaviour or emotional regulation. There are various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can manifest through various psychological symptoms, such as persistent sadness or anxiety, stress, fear or panic, and physical symptoms like fatigue and sleep disturbances. Recognising these symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment.

The impacts of mental health are far-reaching, often disrupting daily life, affecting relationships and impairing work performance. Individuals may experience challenges in maintaining relationships, managing stress and engaging in self-care.³

CATCH Recovery addresses these issues with a holistic approach, providing comprehensive care that includes personalised treatment plans, support groups and ongoing support to help individuals achieve better mental health and improved quality of life. 

We will now examine different types of mental health conditions to help you recognise what to look out for and how to find treatment.

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Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, characterised by feelings of worry, fear and apprehension. While it is normal to experience anxiety occasionally, anxiety can be a long-term condition that causes significant distress and impairs daily functioning. Examples include⁴:

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive anxiety about various aspects of life, such as health, work or personal relationships⁵
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent, often unprompted panic attacks featuring physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath and sweating. Individuals often have an intense fear of future attacks, which can generate a vicious cycle⁶

Symptoms and Triggers

Anxiety issues manifest through a range of physical, psychological and behavioural symptoms:

1. Physical symptoms: Heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and headaches
2. Psychological symptoms: Excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and a pervasive sense of impending doom
3. Behavioural changes: Struggling with self-care, difficulty forming or maintaining relationships and avoidance of certain situations or places 

Common triggers for anxiety include major life changes, work stress, relationship issues and traumatic events.⁴ Identifying and managing these triggers is essential for helping to reduce the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms.

CATCH recovery programmes help people suffering from anxiety recognise their triggers and develop coping mechanisms for managing feelings of anxiety. Medication and/or therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can be effective in supporting individuals suffering from anxiety.

Depression

Understanding Depression

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that significantly affects how a person thinks, feels, and copes with daily activities. There are several types of depressive disorders, including:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD): Also known as major depression, MDD is characterised by persistent and intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a loss of interest in activities. These symptoms last for at least two weeks and interfere with daily functioning.
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): A type of depression that occurs at specific times of year, usually in autumn and winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.

The causes of depression are multifaceted, involving various genetic, biological, psychological and environmental factors. A family history of depression, traumatic events, and major life changes can all contribute to the development of depressive disorders.⁷

CATCH Recovery employs evidence-based practices to treat depression, focusing on individualised care plans that address both the emotional and physical aspects of the disorder. Through therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy and medication management, alongside support groups and lifestyle interventions, CATCH Recovery supports individuals to overcome depression.

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Understanding Trauma

Trauma is an emotional and psychological response to deeply distressing or disturbing events. It can be categorised into three main types:

1. Acute trauma: Results from a single incident such as an accident, natural disaster or violent attack
2. Chronic trauma: Arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events such as abuse, domestic violence or long-term illness
3. Complex trauma: Involves exposure to multiple traumatic events

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition which can develop following trauma.⁸ PTSD involves persistently reliving a traumatic event through intense flashbacks, nightmares or distressing images. Physical sensations, such as pain or nausea, can also occur as part of re-experiencing, which is the main symptom of PTSD.⁹ 

Symptoms and Effects

Trauma and stressor-related issues can manifest through various emotional and physical symptoms:

• Psychological symptoms: Difficulty with emotional regulation, feelings of detachment, hopelessness, anxiety and anger 
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, palpitations, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances and fatigue
• Behavioural changes: Avoiding certain situations, places or triggers 

The impacts of trauma can be profound, affecting all areas of an individual’s life, including their relationships, work and overall physical and mental health.⁸

CATCH Recovery employs a holistic approach to address trauma and its effects, focusing on comprehensive care that integrates evidence-based therapies and supportive interventions. By providing personalised treatment plans, trauma-focused therapies and support groups, CATCH Recovery helps individuals heal from trauma, manage stress and regain control over their lives.

Mood Disorders

What are Mood Disorders?

Mood disorders are a category of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state. They are characterised by significant disturbances in mood, which can include periods of elevated or depressed mood or both.

Types of mood disorders include¹⁰:

• Bipolar disorder: Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is characterised by alternating periods of manic episodes (extremely elevated mood and increased energy or activity levels) and depressive episodes (intense sadness, lack of energy and lack of interest in activities)
• Cyclothymic disorder: A mood disorder with symptoms resembling major depression and hypomania (a milder form of mania). Symptoms do not meet the diagnostic criteria for either condition but have been present for at least two years  
• Persistent depressive disorder: This diagnosis encompasses dysthymia, a milder form of depression, and chronic major depressive disorder, a mood disorder lasting at least two years 

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Symptoms and Causes

Mood disorders manifest through manic and depressive episodes, which can be recognised by the following symptoms:

• Manic episodes: Elevated mood, irritability, increased talkativeness, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts and impulsive or risky behaviour¹¹
• Depressive episodes: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt⁷

Risk factors for developing mood disorders include: a family history of mood disorders, genetics, presence of other physical and/or mental health conditions, stressful life events and use of certain medications.¹⁰ 

By combining the expertise of healthcare providers, therapists and support staff, CATCH Recovery offers a comprehensive approach to mood disorders that includes medication management, talk therapy, lifestyle changes and ongoing support.

Burnout

What is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive fatigue. It often relates to one aspect of life and occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet constant demands. The primary causes of burnout include:

• Work-related stress: High workload, long working hours, lack of support and high-pressure environments
• Personal life stressors: Prolonged stress from personal responsibilities, sleep deprivation, lack of supportive relationships and a perfectionist or pessimistic personality

Symptoms and Consequences

Burnout can be differentiated from stress by three main symptoms. These are fatigue and exhaustion, negative attitudes and an inability to complete normal tasks, such as work. Burnout can also manifest through a range of other emotional and physical symptoms, and its consequences can significantly impact overall health:

• Psychological symptoms: Feelings of cynicism, detachment, low mood, and a pervasive sense of failure or self-doubt
• Physical symptoms: Immense fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances and reduced appetite

The impact of burnout on mental and physical health can be severe, leading to decreased productivity, increased susceptibility to illnesses and a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.¹²

To treat burnout, CATCH Recovery offers personalised treatment plans that include stress management techniques, counselling and lifestyle interventions.

Grief

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to loss, whether linked to the death of a loved one or a major life change. While grief is a common and natural experience, it can lead to health concerns when it significantly impairs a person’s ability to function in daily life over an extended period.

Different types of grief include:

• Anticipatory grief: Occurs before a loss, often experienced by individuals anticipating the death of a loved one due to terminal illness
• Disenfranchised grief: Grief that does not align with societal expectations and lacks social validation, such as the loss of a pet, loss of a job or divorce¹³
• Inhibited grief: Feelings of grief are not adequately recognised or processed 
• Complicated grief: Intense grief reactions that impair daily functioning and do not improve over time. Complicated grief can lead to feelings of depression and self-harming or suicidal thoughts. You should speak to a medical professional if you are experiencing this type of grief

Stages of Grief

Grief is often described as a process involving various stages, which may not necessarily occur in a linear fashion.

Psychological and Physical Symptoms

Emotional symptoms of grief may include sadness, apathy, guilt, loneliness, and regret. Physical symptoms can include changes in appetite and sleep patterns tiredness, joint pains, muscle weakness and nausea.¹⁴

CATCH Recovery provides supportive therapies tailored to help individuals navigate their grief journey. Through compassionate counselling, support groups and specialised grief therapy techniques, CATCH Recovery offers a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, process their loss and gradually find healing and acceptance.

Treatment Options at CATCH Recovery

CATCH Recovery’s treatment programmes address different forms of addiction, as well as any co-occurring mental health issues that individuals may be facing. Here are the different stages of our treatment plans:

Comprehensive Assessment

A thorough initial assessment helps us to understand the unique needs and circumstances of each individual seeking treatment for substance use and/or mental health issues. 

At CATCH Recovery, our initial assessment process is meticulous and holistic. We aim to gather comprehensive information about medical history, current symptoms, emotional well-being and personal goals. This assessment forms the foundation for creating tailored treatment plans that recognise each person’s specific challenges and strengths.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists and support staff who collaborate closely to carry out individualised treatment strategies.

Therapeutic Approaches

Our treatment programmes use different types of evidence-based therapies adapted to individual preferences and needs. Therapeutic approaches include¹⁵:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and amending negative thought patterns, feelings and behaviours
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT): Encourages positive behaviours whilst focusing on acceptance and change
• Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR): Uses rhythmic, rapid eye movements to reduce  distress associated with past traumatic experiences¹⁶
• Group therapy, support groups and family therapy: Provides opportunities for peer support, interpersonal learning and addressing family dynamics to enhance the recovery process

By integrating evidence-based practices and considering individual preferences and responses to treatment, we ensure that each person receives the highest standards of effective and supportive care.

Holistic and Integrative Therapies

Physical, mental and emotional health don’t exist separately from one another but are deeply interconnected. For that reason, CATCH Recovery integrates holistic approaches into our treatment plans. These may include mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional counselling, exercise programmes and stress reduction techniques. By addressing the whole person and promoting overall well-being, we support sustainable recovery and improved quality of life.

To learn more about our treatment plans, contact CATCH Recovery today. Our experienced and friendly team is ready to conduct a personalised assessment and develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.