Mental health is the term that describe the state of the human brain and mind. When everything is working as it should be, then one’s mental health is considered to be good. However, problems arise that affect the brain or mind. These can include eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. These are conditions which tend to affect younger people, although older people can have them, too.
Dementia, another mental health concern, primarily affects older people, although, like many diseases, it knows no age limit. Anorexia nervosa is a condition in which people believe they are too fat. It primarily affects women, but men can suffer from it, also. People with anorexia nervosa will eat very little, if anything at all. If they do eat, they may literally watch every bite that goes into their mouths, or obsessively count every calorie they consume.
On the other hand, people with bulimia nervosa eat as much as they can hold and more at one time, then either make themselves throw up or take strong laxatives to expel the food before the digestion process can be completed. Both disorders can be very dangerous to one’s physical health.
Dementia is a mental health disorder which tends to affect older people. The word “Dementia” is often used to differentiate it from Alzheimer’s Disease. Dementia results in memory loss and confusion. OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is characterized by frequent hand washing or other acts that are intended to kill germs, or the need to perform a certain act the exact same way each and every time. OCD may not be life-threatening, unless it interferes with eating or other health habits; however, it can affect a person both socially and financially.
Photo Credit: whatmegsaid on Flickr
Tue, Feb 23, 2010
Health