Determining If I Or Someone I Care About Has A Mental Health Disorder

Mental health disorders are sets or patterns of dysfunctional thinking, behaviors and/or mood changes that are outside of those viewed and experienced as normal, healthy and high-functioning.  

A helpful way to determine if you or someone you know has a mental health disorder is to look at the Difference (DIF) between normal thinking, behaviors and emotions and what is presenting.  

Ask: What’s the difference?  How do I know if I have a mental health disorder?

Or what’s the DIF: Duration, Intensity and Frequency?  

If symptoms:  

• Duration – last longer than normal
• Intensity – above and beyond what is normally experienced 
• Frequency – experienced more often than normal
• Then you or someone you know may have a mental health disorder.  

Another general standard used to assess mental/emotional health is the level of Distress or Impairment – 

• Degree to which the symptoms cause significant Distress or Impairment in social, interpersonal, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing troubling thoughts, behaviors, emotions/mood changes, and they are causing you distress and impairment in your life and relationships, contact a mental health professional for help.  Your first appointment will be an “Assessment” where you will be asked a series of questions to help determine if you have a mental or emotional disorder.  An evaluation of your symptoms will confirm whether a diagnosis will be made, and if one is, treatment options will be discussed.    

Feller Behavioral Health specializes in assessment, diagnosis and treatment of all common and most of the major mental health disorders.  Our interdisciplinary team approach to your health care provides comprehensive and effective treatment.