Modern living puts a great stress on mental health as it does on physical health. The stress from work, family, etc. can often lead to both mental and physical illnesses.

Adults should be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses. Often, they are much more difficult to detect than physical illnesses, although some do lead to a drop in physical health.

Mental illnesses, like their physical counterparts, require immediate attention. If left untreated, they may worsen and lead to further problems. Seeking counselling or professional help should not be seen as a shameful thing.

Many hospitals and clinics offer outpatient treatment, while many grassroot and voluntary welfare organisations also offer counselling services. Medication may be required for serious mental illnesses and such drugs can only be prescribed by medical doctors.

Anxiety, depression, phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorders are among some of the milder mental illnesses prevalent in Singapore. More serious illnesses, such as schizophrenia, are present but not as common.


Warning signs

Always look out for warning signs especially if you or your family is going through a crisis or highly-stressful situation. It can be dangerous to ignore these signs as they could be symptoms of an underlying illness.

Warning signs include changes in personality, changes in eating and sleeping habits, difficulty in coping with everyday problems, unusual changes of mood, excessive sadness or worry, irrational ideas and even suicidal tendencies.

Seek counselling or help if these signs persist.


Depression

Depression is a common mental illness which often goes undiagnosed or is dismissed as the "blues". But a long-term feeling of sadness, brought on by stress, grief or loss of self-worth, can lead to mental and physical problems.

Alcohol addiction, weakening of the body caused by loss of appetite and suicidal thoughts are just some of the many possible results if depression is not treated.

Some of the more obvious signs of depression include a permanent low or sad mood, constant anxiety or irritability, loss of appetite and weight, alcoholism and a withdrawal from social activities. People who are depressed need day-to-day encouragement and support from family and friends. In more serious cases, they should also seek counselling and professional help. Medication may be necessary in some cases.


Stress

Beware if the usual stresses of career, finances and family start to lead to more than sleepless nights. While no one is a stranger to stress, any adult should take note if he senses an increase in his usual level of stress. If allowed to fester, stress can lead to high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, depression or mental illness. It can even cause a heart attack and nervous breakdown.

Some of the signs and symptoms of high stress include fast heartbeats, tense muscles, headaches, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Stress control is essential to health, and victims of stress need to get organised to plan their time well, relook at their goals and think positively.

Relaxation techniques and counselling by friends or experts are some good ways to overcome stress, but patients should seek professional treatment if the symptoms of stress persist.


Schizophrenia

This major mental illness can occur in men and women, usually between 15 and 40 years old. It is not a rare disease; many Singaporeans do suffer from this ailment. Schizophrenia may show its presence in some ways:

Delusions - paranoia that someone is trying to kill the patient, self-delusions of great power and ability, or paranoia about people following him or tracking his movements and conversation.

Hallucinations - a patient may complain about hearing voices and appear to be speaking to himself.

Abnormal thinking and behaviour - unusual swings in mood, depression or strange behaviour and actions, such as laughing for no reason, shouting at people or sudden restlessness.

Schizophrenia must be treated professionally, and should you detect these signs in someone close to you, you should take that person for treatment.


Alcoholism

Addiction to liquor can lead to many serious physical problems such as liver cirrhosis (scarring), liver cancer, stomach and intestinal ulcers and heart problems. Many turn to alcohol as a perceived solution to their problems, and while curing alcoholism does not solve the root problem, the ailment itself needs immediate attention.

Professional treatment is needed. An alcoholic may need to stay in a rehabilitative centre to allow his body to adjust to life without alcohol. Treatment and counselling are essential, and there are organisations such as Alcoholics' Anonymous which can help alcoholics stay away from drinking.

Unfortunately, alcoholism is a progressive illness - you may start off with a few habitual drinks, progress to a heavy drinker and develop an addiction without realising it. Always keep a close watch on your drinking habits. Doctors recommend that men below the age of 65 keep to less than two standard drinks a day, and women to one.


Sexual problems

Sexual health is closely related to emotional and social aspects. It can be the source or result of marital problems, trouble with relationships or even work and social stresses.

Anxiety, fatigue and low self-esteem could lead to low sexual desire, pain during sexual intercourse or impotence. It is important to remember that sexual problems can and should be treated.

A frank discussion with a family doctor may be needed to pin down the problem. Treatment could sometimes be carried out through medication, or a patient may be referred to a sex therapist if the problem is a psychological one.

Marital counselling may be needed.


Grief