In This Guide
Mental Health Basics for Children, Adults, Veterans, and Seniors
Mental Illnesses and Mental Health Disorders
Treatment Options for Mental Illnesses
Locating a Mental Health Counselor or Treatment Facility
Advice and Support for Mental Illnesses
Mental Health Research
Alternative and Drug-Free Approaches to Mental Healthcare
Mental Health
Expand All Guide SectionsMental Health Basics for Children, Adults, Veterans, and Seniors
If you have some basic questions about mental health but don't know where to start, the Internet can provide a comprehensive introduction. Whether you're a mental health patient, family member, friend, or healthcare provider, the following sites have got you covered. You'll find definitions of terms, treatment information, support services, quizzes for self-diagnosis, and links for further research.
Dulcinea's Insight
- When dealing with such an important issue as your mental health, you'll want to make sure that the information you receive is accurate, unbiased, and up to date. If you want to search for Web sites beyond those mentioned in this guide, take a look at the findingDulcinea Health Web Guide for help evaluating the credibility of health sites.
- Although the Internet is an excellent source for information, it's never a substitute for a doctor's care. If you suspect you may have a mental illness, you can find help in the "Locating a Mental Health Counselor or Treatment Facility" section of this guide.
- Mental illness can strike anybody but, for many reasons, it is more prevalent in certain demographics, such as war veterans. For example, this article from the Guardian reports on the psychological impact of the war in Iraq on military service personnel.
Dulcinea's Picks
has an interview with a psychiatrist, Daniel Hall-Flavin, who describes what mental illness is in general terms, the types a person may experience, and answers questions such as "Is mental illness simply whatever a culture of society defines it as?"
contains a general description of mental illness, and the major types, such as anxiety and psychosis. This page also features tables with common symptoms of anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and mania.
explains the different mental illnesses seniors commonly face in this four-page PDF. Older adults, according to the APA, "are at greater risk of some mental disorders and their complications than younger people." The good news is these disorders are treatable.
Mental Illnesses and Mental Health Disorders
Scientific knowledge of the causes, composition, and treatments of mental illness has grown in ... read more »
Treatment Options for Mental Illnesses
A variety of mental illness treatments are available, and the appropriate therapy is based on ... read more »
Locating a Mental Health Counselor or Treatment Facility
The process of finding treatment shouldn't be complicated or stressful. However, because there are ... read more »
Advice and Support for Mental Illnesses
Sometimes the most effective support comes from others who understand exactly what you're going ... read more »
Mental Health Research
\Around the world at hospitals, universities, and institutes, researchers are making profound ... read more »
Alternative and Drug-Free Approaches to Mental Healthcare
A growing body of scientific evidence suggests alternative or complementary health care can ... read more »
