In our daily lives, we hear a lot about psychological crises, social crises, psychiatric illnesses, and mentalillnesses, but have you ever wondered what the difference between them is? The terms “mental illness” and “mental illness” may sound similar, as well as psychological and social crises, but there are fundamental differences between each of them. In this article, we’ll explain the differences in a simple way, with examples to help you clearly understand each term.
1. Psychological Crisis
Definition:
A psychological crisis is a temporary state of extreme emotional distress, caused by a difficult situation or sudden event that leads to a person feeling helpless or out of control. It is not a mental illness per se, but rather a normal reaction to difficult circumstances.
Examples:
- Losing a loved one
- Experiencing a sudden accident
- Divorce or separation
- Stress of exams or work
How can it be handled?
- Psychological support from friends and family
- Seeking counseling if the negative feelings persist for a long time
- Using relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing
2. Social Crisis
Its definition:
A social crisis occurs when a person faces a major issue that affects their social relationships or social status, leading to psychological stress that may be temporary or long-lasting.
Examples:
- Unemployment or job loss
- Poverty or financial issues
- Discrimination or bullying
- Severe family issues
How can you deal with them?
- Seek practical solutions such as financial or career counseling
- Getting community or psychological support
- Developing coping and problem-solving skills
3. Mental Disorders
Definition:
Mental illnesses are disorders that affect thinking, feelings, and behavior, andoften require therapeutic intervention, either through psychotherapy or medication. They are more common than you might think, and can be effectively treated or lived with.
Examples:
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How can it be treated?
- Seek out a specialized psychotherapist
- Taking psychiatric medications if prescribed by a doctor
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle to help alleviate symptoms
4. Psychotic Disorders
Definition:
Psychotic disordersare more complex disorders that affect perception and awareness of reality, and may include symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions, making the patient need specialized medical intervention and ongoing treatment.
Examples:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar affective disorder in severe cases
- Other psychotic disorders
How can it be treated?
- Psychotherapy and rehabilitation
- Medically supervised antipsychotic medications
- Ongoing family and social support
The difference between psychiatric and mental illnesses in a nutshell
| Disease | Primary impact | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mental illnesses | affect feelings and behavior | Anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder | Psychotherapy and medication |
| Psychotic Disorders | affect perception and reality | Hallucinations, delusions, delusions, loss of contact with reality | Medication and psychotherapy |
When should I seek help?
If you or someone close to you is experiencing persistent symptoms that affect daily life, it is best to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and proper treatment can greatly improve your life.
