ACTIVE MINDS UALBERTA

A social initiative dedicated to changing the conversation about mental health through action and advocacy

IN THE NEWS: https://thegatewayonline.ca/2020/04/u-of-a-student-group-active-minds-works-to-decrease-stigma-around-mental-health/

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If you are experiencing an immediate crisis and/or there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please call 911 or call the Distress Line at 780-482-4357 for Edmonton & Area. 

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ACTIVE MINDS MENTAL HEALTH APP IS NOW LIVE! Click the link below to check it out!

THERE ARE AROUND 300 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS IN THE DSM-5 (DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS)

Some of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder groups are listed below:

MOOD DISORDERS

Mood disorders are a group of mental illnesses that affect how you feel and think about yourself, other people and life in general. There are a few different types of mood disorders such as depression, dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder.

Some Symptoms: 

• Changes in appetite 

• Changes in sleep 

• Negative self evaluation or grandiose notion of self

• Sadness

• Easily irritated

• Difficulty concentrating

• Anhedonia (loss of pleasure)

ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that are characterized by excessive feelings of anxiety and fear. Some of the different types are; generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder

Some symptoms: 

• Excessive worring

• Restlessness

•  Muscle tension 

• Tightening of chest 

• Fatigue

• Racing heart

• Sweating

• Difficulty concentrating

PERSONALITY DISORDERS

A personality disorder is a way of thinking, feeling and behaving that deviates from the expectations of the culture, causes distress or problems functioning, and lasts over time. Some different types are; obsessive compulsive personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder and dissociate identity disorder.

Some symptoms: 

• Rigidity and stubbornness 

• Self destructive behaviour

• Shifting self image 

• Unstable relationships  

• Explosive anger

• Shifting self image 

EATING DISORDERS

Eating disorders are a group of mental health illnesses that are characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits. Some examples are; anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.

Some symptoms:

• Binge eating

• Purging

• Excessive concern about body weight

• Irregular menstrual cycle

• Mood changes

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

Psychotic disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions and result with the loss in touch with reality. Psychotic disorders involve psychosis, which is characterized by an impaired relationship with reality. People who are experiencing psychosis may have either hallucinations or delusions. The most common psychotic disorder is schizophrenia.

Some symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Depressed mood

• Anxiety

• Suspiciousness

• Withdrawal from family and friends

• Delusions

• Hallucinations 

• The most common psychotic disorder is schizophrenia

TRAUMA DISORDERS

Trauma disorders cause fear, extreme anxiety, stress, depression, and other negative emotions. They may even cause nightmares and flashbacks. A trauma disorder also affects a person’s behaviours and may cause anger, violent outbursts, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, and many other negative repercussions, such as loss of work and relationships. Trauma disorders are manageable and can be overcome with consistent, professional treatment. An example of a well-known trauma disorder is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Examples of trauma include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, losing a loved one, a car accident, or sexual assault.