Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness — Let’s Talk Honestly

 

you're making a really important point here — not every behavior change is automatically a mental health issue, and it's tricky to tell the difference sometimes. I cleaned up and organized your thoughts a little to make them flow more clearly:

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How Do We Know if Someone Is Struggling with Their Mental Health, or if They Are Behaving Differently on Purpose?

We hear a lot about mental health these days, but not every behavior change is because of mental health struggles. So, how can we tell the difference?

If you notice someone, especially someone you know well, not seeming like themselves, it might raise concerns about their mental health. Some signs to look out for include:

·         They don't feel like themselves. They may seem confused or unsure about what they want to do or avoid, struggling to make decisions they usually handle easily.

·         Loss of enjoyment or interest. Things they once loved may no longer bring them happiness or excitement.

·         Withdrawal from people and activities. They might pull away from friends, family, hobbies, events, and social situations they normally enjoy.

·         Disconnection. They may seem detached from their surroundings, conversations, or responsibilities.

·         Changes in emotions and reactions. You might notice increased sadness, anxiety, anger, worry, irritability, or emotional numbness.

Important to Remember:
Behavior changes can have many causes — stress, burnout, personal choices, physical health problems, or intentional decisions. Not every shift points to a mental health disorder. However, if the changes are persistent, unusual for that person, and affecting their daily life, it might be a sign that they are struggling internally.

The best way to know for sure? Check in with them. Ask open, caring questions. Listen without judgment. It's better to offer support than to assume.

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Would you like me to also help you turn this into something you could post or share, like a short guide or checklist? 📋

Signs of Struggling with Mental Illness

• Changes in mood, such as feeling unusually low or having less energy than usual.
• Noticeable changes in behavior.
• Withdrawing from people, places, and activities they normally enjoy.
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that used to bring joy.
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns — eating significantly more or less, sleeping too much or too little.
• Physical changes like weight loss, weight gain, or noticeable changes in diet and exercise habits.

Important:
A person does not need to experience all of these signs to be struggling with their mental health. Even showing a few of these behaviors can be enough to indicate they are having a hard time.

Struggling to manage with Anger

 

Understand Anger. 

When we think of anger, we often picture someone biting our heads off — and it feels really scary. But strangely, for the person letting it out, it can feel healthy. Still, no one should feel responsible for or blame someone else's emotions.

Have you ever felt like there’s a bubble inside you, just waiting to burst? Knowing when, where, and how to release that pressure is tough. I know I’ve had loads of moments like that. Without thinking, I sometimes blame myself for letting it out on the wrong person, at the wrong place, or at the wrong time.

Even though Anger is a normal emotion, if not managed, it can spoil friendships, relationships, and more. At the time we are going through things that are bothering us, it is too easy to let off stream unaware of the safety of others around us.

 There are all sorts of extremes of behavior. A lot of us are aware that there are different types of Anger, but maybe a lot of us do not know what types of Anger, for example.

·       Assertive anger, when someone is feeling frustrated.

·       Behavior: Anger, aggressive and physical, breaking objects, and assaulting others.

·       Chronic Anger, frustration, and dramatic outbursts.

·       Judgmental Anger is a reaction to the perceived injustice of someone’s shortcomings

·       Passive–aggressive anger, avoiding confrontation, and expressing anger, is indirect sarcasm, silent treatment procrastination.  

·       Volatile Anger is explosive and unpredictable that spinning out of control.

·       Overwhelmed Anger tantrums, meltdowns, outbursts, and extreme stress. 

So, how are we supposed to manage that emotion without hurting others, while still giving ourselves the space to release it?
Some options could include:

·         Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

·         Anger management programs

·         Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

·         Developing coping skills

·         Learning behavior strategies

·         Emotion regulation techniques

·         Quick Anger Cool-Down Techniques

·         1. Breathe Deeply
Take slow, deep breaths. Try breathing in for a count of 4, holding for 4, and breathing out for 4. (This is called "box breathing" and it calms your nervous system fast.)

·         2. Take a Break
If you feel anger bubbling up, excuse yourself and step away from the situation — even just going into another room for a few minutes can help.

·         3. Ground Yourself
Notice five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This helps pull you out of your emotions and back into the present moment.

·         4. Squeeze Something
Grab a stress ball, a pillow, or even your own hands. Squeezing and releasing can help release tension safely.

·         5. Splash Cold Water on Your Face
It might sound weird, but it resets your body's stress response almost immediately.

·         6. Use a Code Word
If you're around people you trust, agree on a "code word" that signals you need a moment to calm down, without making a big scene.

·         7. Write It Out
Grab a notebook or your phone and write everything you’re feeling — don’t worry about grammar or making sense. Just get it out.

·         8. Move Your Body
Walk around the block, do jumping jacks, dance it out — moving burns off some of the adrenaline anger creates.

 

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Is it possible for people with Autism and ADHD to either eating disorder?

 

Yes, absolutely. There is a well-documented connection and significant overlap between neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the development of various eating disorders. Individuals with ADHD, Autism, or both are at a higher risk of experiencing eating disorders compared to the general population.  

Here's a breakdown:

1.   ADHD and Eating Disorders:

o    Increased Risk: Research consistently shows that individuals with ADHD have a higher prevalence of eating disorders.  

o    Potential Links: Traits common in ADHD can contribute to disordered eating patterns. These include:

§  Impulsivity: Can lead to binge eating episodes.  

§  Executive Dysfunction: Difficulties with planning, organization, and working memory can make meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing regular meals challenging. It can also impair the ability to recognize hunger and fullness cues consistently.  

§  Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions can lead to using food (either restriction or bingeing) as a coping mechanism.  

§  Inattention: May lead to forgetting to eat or being unaware of body signals.  

§  Reward Sensitivity/Dopamine Seeking: Some eating behaviors might provide a temporary dopamine boost that individuals with ADHD may subconsciously seek.

 

o    Common Co-occurring Disorders: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN) are frequently associated with ADHD, likely due to impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. Anorexia Nervosa (AN) can also occur.  

2.  Autism and Eating Disorders:

o    Increased Risk: Autistic individuals also face a significantly higher risk of developing eating disorders.  

o    Potential Links: Autistic traits can contribute in various ways:

§  Sensory Sensitivities: Strong sensitivities to food textures, smells, tastes, or appearance can lead to highly selective or restrictive eating.  

§  Need for Routine and Sameness/Rigidity: A preference for strict routines can manifest as rigid eating patterns, specific food choices, or rituals around eating.  

§  Interception Difficulties: Challenges in recognizing internal body signals like hunger, fullness, or nausea can complicate eating regulation.

§  Anxiety and Social Difficulties: Social situations involving food can be highly stressful, potentially leading to avoidance or specific eating behaviors. Using restrictive eating as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings or gain a sense of control is also seen.

§  Focused Interests: Intense focus on specific topics might include food, calories, or body weight.

o    Common Co-occurring Disorders: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is strongly associated with Autism, often stemming from sensory issues or lack of interest in food. Anorexia Nervosa (AN) also has a notably higher prevalence among autistic individuals, particularly females, compared to the general population. Other eating disorders can also occur.  

3.  Co-occurring ADHD and Autism:

o    Individuals diagnosed with both ADHD and Autism may experience a combination of the risk factors mentioned above, potentially further increasing their vulnerability to developing an eating disorder. The specific presentation can be complex, blending traits like impulsivity with sensory sensitivities or rigidity.

In summary: Yes, individuals with ADHD, Autism, or both can indeed face various types of eating disorders. The specific type of eating disorder and its presentation can differ greatly depending on the individual's specific neurotype, traits, experiences, and other contributing factors. Recognizing the potential overlap is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective, tailored treatment that addresses both the eating disorder and the underlying neurodevelopmental condition(s).  

Sources and related content

Understanding The Connections Between ADHD and Eating Disorders - Reclaim Therapy

 

www.sarahherstichlcsw.com

 

Eating Disorders and Neurodivergence - Within Health

 

withinhealth.com

 

Are Eating Disorders Related to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? - PMC - PubMed Central

 

pmc.ncbi.nlm.n

 

WHAT HAS ANS HAS NOT CHANGED.

 Based on the text you provided, here's a summary of what has and hasn't changed regarding the treatment of people with learning disabilities and health problems:

What Has Changed:

• Recognition of Humanity: There's a greater, though still imperfect, recognition that people with disabilities are human beings with rights, and not "useless eaters" or a danger to society.

• Reduced Institutionalization: While challenges remain, there has been a move away from large-scale institutionalization and towards community-based support.

• Increased Awareness and Diagnosis: Conditions like autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia are better understood and diagnosed, though diagnostic processes can still be lengthy and uncertain.

• The text highlights a mixed picture. While some progress has been made in recognizing the rights and humanity of people with disabilities, significant challenges and inequalities persist.

• Technological Advancements: Equipment and technology have improved, with things like self-turning-off kettles and microwaves making life easier and safer.

• Advocacy and Self-Advocacy: People with disabilities are increasingly advocating for themselves and their rights, though their voices are not always heard by the government.

• Legal Protections: In many countries, laws and policies exist to protect the rights of people with disabilities, though enforcement and effectiveness vary.

What Hasn't Changed:

• Negative Attitudes and Stigma: Negative stereotypes and societal attitudes persist, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and being a burden.

• Systemic Barriers: People with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers in areas like employment (being forced into unsuitable work), benefits (cuts and difficulties), and accessing services.

• Communication Barriers: Inaccessible information, such as fast-talking phone systems and a lack of clear instructions, remains a problem.

• Lack of Understanding: Non-disabled people still need to learn and understand the challenges and needs of people with disabilities.

• Inadequate Support: Support services are often insufficient or difficult to access, particularly with funding cuts.

• Unequal Treatment: People with disabilities are still treated differently, and not always with the respect and understanding they deserve.

• Lack of Clear Communication from Services: Services often fail to communicate changes in rules, confusing.

• Accessibility of Voting: Voting cards and polling places are still not fully accessible.

• Lack of Input on Reasons for Voting: The voting system doesn't ask people why they are voting.

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ACCESSABLE VOTING

 

It's great that you're raising awareness about the challenges people with disabilities and health problems face when trying to vote. Here's a summary of the issues, combining your points and some additional information:

Key Issues:

·         Accessibility of Information: Many people, both with and without disabilities, find it hard to understand who to vote for and why. The information isn't always clear or accessible.

·         Accessibility of Polling Places: Some polling places are not physically accessible, preventing some people with disabilities from voting in person.

·         Assumptions about Understanding: There's a misconception that people with disabilities, particularly learning disabilities, don't understand the voting process or the issues at stake.

·         Lack of Support: There's a need for better support to help people with disabilities make informed voting decisions.

·         Feeling Voiceless: Many people feel that their voices aren't heard by the government, regardless of whether they have a disability.

·         Inaccessible voting cards: Some voters find it hard to use the cards.

·         Lack of reasons to vote: Voters are not asked about the reasons why they are voting.

Impact:

These barriers can lead to:

·         Disenfranchisement: People with disabilities may be unable to exercise their right to vote.

·         Reduced Political Participation: When people feel their voices don't matter, they may be less likely to engage in the political process.

·         Lack of Representation: When people with disabilities are underrepresented in the electorate, their needs and concerns may be overlooked by policymakers.

Resources and Actions:

It's crucial to address these issues to ensure that everyone can participate in democracy. Here are some resources and potential actions:

·         Advocacy: Organizations and individuals can advocate for policies and practices that promote accessible voting.

·         Hear My Voice: (https://www.hear-my-voice.org.uk/listening)

·         BBC Ouch: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-ouch-31838006)

·         Disability Now: (http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/article/reeves-rhetoric-risks-riling-disabled-voters)

·         The Guardian: (http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/25/disabled-people-shut-out-lack-access-polling-stations?CMP=share_btn_tw)

·         Mencap: (https://www.mencap.org.uk/allaboutvoting)

·         Labour Party: (http://www.labour.org.uk/blog/entry/a-better-future-for-disabled-people-manifesto)

·         Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the barriers people with disabilities face and educating voters about their rights can help promote inclusion.

·         Accessible Voting Methods: Providing alternative voting methods, such as mail-in ballots or accessible voting machines, can make voting easier for people with disabilities.

·         Training for Poll Workers: Training poll workers to assist voters with disabilities can help ensure that everyone has positive voting experience.

It's important to continue the conversation and work towards solutions that make voting accessible and inclusive for everyone.