22 Mar 2023
Mental illness can wreak havoc on your life, affecting how you think, feel, and cope with everyday stressors. The physical toll it may take on the body is often overlooked, but mental illness can seriously threaten overall health and even lead to an untimely death. Though rarely discussed openly, understanding whether or not a person can die from their mental health struggles is of utmost importance for friends, family members, and those personally affected by psychological or psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. In this blog post, we'll explore what science has to say about dying from mental illness—including potential causes of Death—and share tips for managing your mental health if you are concerned about protecting yourself against the most severe consequences of poor emotional well-being.
Mental illness is an umbrella term covering a variety of conditions that affect the brain, ranging from mild anxiety to severe depression. It's estimated that nearly 10% of adults worldwide will experience some form of mental illness each year, putting them at risk for potentially serious health consequences, including Death. The most common types of mental illness include:
Mood disorders
Depression and bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders
Panic disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Personality disorders
Schizophrenia
Yet, despite its prevalence in everyday life, mental illness still carries a stigma which often prevents those suffering from seeking necessary help to manage their conditions and live fuller lives.
Mental illness can be a debilitating and life-threatening challenge many faces, yet it often cannot be seen. Not all mental illnesses manifest with physical symptoms, but significant emotional, cognitive, or behavioural changes can begin to point to a potential mental illness. Most of these illnesses tend to have similar feelings included in their presentation—depression, low self-worth, extreme fear or anxiety and unpredictable mood changes are all commonly accessible symptoms.
Individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia can be affected so deeply that they may experience suicidal thoughts or become unable to function healthily. Without proper care and treatment, the effects of mental illness can be overwhelming. Tragically, some mental health issues are severe enough that a person could die directly or indirectly. While it's important to remember that most people diagnosed with mental health conditions do not die from them, it's essential to understand the risks and available treatments for those affected by the various forms of mental illness.
Mental health problems can range in severity and impact a person's life, but severe mental health issues can be debilitating and even life-threatening for some individuals. Certain risk factors are associated with greater chances of developing more severe conditions, such as family history, experiencing traumatic events, substance abuse issues, poverty or unemployment. It is essential to be aware of these risks so that a person struggling with mental illness can get the help and support they need in an early stage. With proper intervention and treatment, people who experience these risk factors can achieve stability even if their situation involves a long-term diagnosis - making it possible to avoid the most severe outcomes of mental illness, including Death.
Knowing what to look for and when to seek professional help is essential if you or someone you know suffers from mental illness. Keep an eye out for drastic changes in behaviour, such as sudden mood swings, extended periods of sadness, high levels of anxiousness, difficulty focusing, or lack of motivation. These are some potential signs that someone might be struggling with their mental health and may need professional assistance. Healthcare providers may provide anti-anxiety and anti-depressants like Xanax or Alprazolam to these people. So they can find relief from their mental illness.
Mental illness can be a severe and dangerous condition which is why it's so important to seek professional help if needed. It is essential to know the signs and symptoms that could indicate an underlying mental illness and to identify potential risk factors for serious mental health problems so appropriate steps can be taken. Though there are plenty of treatments for mental illnesses, unfortunately, Death can result if not appropriately managed or when other conditions such as substance abuse or physical health issues are involved. The key message is that if a person ever questions whether they have a mental illness, they should not hesitate to visit their healthcare provider, who can diagnose and begin setting up a treatment plan.
