Michael Shalhoub, an award-winning actor, starred in TV series entitled “Monk” in which he portrays Adrian Monk, a brilliant sleuth diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Though he was able to crack a lot of cases, he was oftentimes hindered by this disorder. Obsessive-compulsive or OCD disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by uneasiness, apprehension, fear or worry. This is manifested by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing their anxiety by repetitive hand washing, extensive hoarding, aversion to odd numbers, etc. These acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and come across to others as psychotic. However, OCD sufferers generally recognized their thoughts and actions as irrational and they become further distressed by this realization.

More people focus on physical health judging from the number of physical fitness regimen that are all coming up. What they didn’t realize is that a good mental health is just as important. You can be physically healthy but if you have some mental health disorders, you are not actually living life to its full potential if you are constantly living a life of anxiety. Still, millions of people, Americans included, suffer with various types of mental health illness. These mental health disorders types include social anxiety, OCD disorder, hoarding addiction, dissociative disorders, dual diagnosis, and personality disorders. It’s a good thing there are mental health treatment options that are readily available now like medications, psychotherapy, and other treatment options. Mental health disorders or mental health illness are psychological and behavioral pattern that are generally associated with distress and disabilities that are not part of normal development or culture. People’s recognition and understanding of mental health conditions had changed over time across cultures. Though there are still variations in the definition, assessment, and classification of mental disorders, standard guideline criteria are now being widely accepted. A lot of people now are seeking treatment for disorders that has not been truthfully accepted by people or even by the patients themselves. Recognition is the first step of treatment.

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