Mental Health Disorders:
Types, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Learn to recognize symptoms of mental health disorders, how they can influence substance misuse, and how to begin recovery here.

Table of Contents

What Are Mental Health Disorders?

Mental health disorders affect millions of people each year, disrupting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness in any given year.1

These challenges don’t just impact individuals—they affect families, careers, and entire communities.2
mental health disorders

Long-Term Healing at Longview Recovery

At Longview Recovery, we understand that mental health disorders and substance use often go hand in hand. That’s why we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders, ensuring that underlying mental health conditions are addressed alongside addiction.

We help clients build the skills they need for lasting stability and well-being through our practices of holistic treatment plans that focus on the whole person.

Whether someone is struggling with depression, PTSD, or another co-occurring mental health condition, our team is committed to supporting long-term healing in a safe environment that feels like home.

We’re here to help you reclaim a life you love.

A Deeper Dive Into Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are conditions that affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often making daily life more challenging. These disorders can impact relationships, work, and overall well-being.
Some people may experience mild symptoms that come and go, while others struggle with more severe, long-term conditions that require professional support.
Mental health disorders can affect anyone, regardless of background or life circumstances. While genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences all play a role, untreated symptoms can make it difficult to manage responsibilities, maintain relationships, or even find joy in everyday life.

Why Dual Diagnosis Treatment Matters

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently occur together. This is often because people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other conditions.3

When a person has both a mental health disorder and SUD, this is known as dual diagnosis. Treating only one condition without addressing the other often leads to relapse or worsening symptoms.

Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

At Longview Recovery, we recognize that mental health disorders and substance use challenges are deeply connected.
Our approach combines medical detox, therapy, and evidence-based treatments to address the root causes of both conditions. By focusing on individualized care, we help clients build the skills and confidence needed to manage their mental health and maintain sobriety.

Types of Mental Health Disorders

There are a wide range of mental health disorders that often co-occur alongside SUD. Addressing these disorders is essential for long-term stability and maintaining healthy relationships.
Below are some of the most common conditions we focus on in treatment:

Anger and Emotional Dysregulation

Anger isn’t always a problem on its own, but when it becomes uncontrollable, frequent, or destructive, it can:
  • Damage relationships
  • Affect mental well-being
  • Lead to legal or professional consequences

Many individuals who struggle with unresolved trauma or chronic stress experience heightened anger responses.

Without proper coping skills, they may turn to substances to manage emotional intensity, leading to a harmful cycle of aggression and self-medication.

Symptoms of Anger and Emotional Dysregulation

While symptoms may vary between individuals, there are some common trends across people that experience anger and emotional dysregulation.
Signs of anger-related challenges include:
  • Difficulty controlling outbursts
  • Persistent irritability or resentment
  • Substance use as a way to “calm down”
  • Strained relationships due to emotional outbursts

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety goes beyond everyday stress. For those with an anxiety disorder, worry and fear can feel overwhelming and constant, making it difficult to function. Many people with anxiety turn to alcohol or drugs to temporarily ease symptoms, only to find that substances worsen anxiety in the long run.

Common symptoms include:
  • Racing thoughts and excessive worry
  • Panic attacks or difficulty breathing
  • Restlessness or trouble sleeping
  • Avoidance of social situations or responsibilities

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves intense mood swings between depressive lows and manic highs. These shifts can affect decision-making, relationships, and overall mental health. Without treatment, people may turn to substances in an attempt to regulate their emotions, often worsening symptoms.

Manic Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Manic symptoms may include:
  • High energy, racing thoughts, and impulsivity
  • Reduced need for sleep
  • Risky behaviors, such as reckless spending or substance use

Depressive Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Depressive symptoms may include:
  • Low energy, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities
  • Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Codependency

Codependency often develops in relationships where one person feels responsible for another’s emotions or behaviors, often at the expense of their own well-being.
This pattern can lead to enabling substance use, staying in toxic relationships, or struggling with personal boundaries.
Signs of codependency include:
  • Difficulty saying “no” or setting boundaries
  • Fear of abandonment or rejection
  • Neglecting personal needs to take care of others
  • Feeling a sense of worth only when “helping” someone else

Depression

Depression can affect every aspect of life, making even small tasks feel overwhelming. When untreated, many turn to substances for relief, but alcohol and drug use can deepen depressive symptoms.
Symptoms of depression include:
  • Persistent sadness or emptiness
  • Fatigue and lack of motivation
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness

Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural response to loss, but when it becomes prolonged or overwhelming, it can lead to depression, isolation, or reliance on substances for emotional relief.
Unresolved grief can make it difficult to move forward and engage in everyday life. Signs that grief may require professional support include:
  • Persistent sadness or numbness long after a loss
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities
  • Increased substance use to cope with emotions
  • Difficulty accepting or processing loss

Self-Esteem Issues

Low self-esteem can contribute to mental health struggles and substance use, making it difficult to build healthy relationships or set personal goals. Many individuals with self-worth challenges experience negative self-talk, feelings of unworthiness, or fear of failure.
Indicators of low self-esteem include:
  • Constant self-criticism or feelings of inadequacy
  • Avoidance of challenges due to fear of failure
  • Dependence on external validation for self-worth
  • Using substances to feel more confident or outgoing

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, while PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Trauma and PTSD can:
  • Disrupt daily life
  • Trigger emotional distress
  • Fuel substance use as a way to escape painful memories. 
Without treatment, trauma can resurface in the form of flashbacks, panic attacks, emotional numbness, or trust issues.
mental health disorders

Importance of Early Detection For Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders don’t often appear overnight.
For many, symptoms develop gradually, making them easy to overlook, especially when substance use is involved. Recognizing the early signs and seeking help can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve long-term recovery outcomes.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many people dismiss changes in mood, energy levels, or behavior as just a rough patch or temporary stress. But when these shifts persist, they can begin to interfere with daily life.
The earlier someone receives support for mental health disorders, the easier it is to:
  • Develop coping strategies
  • Stabilize emotions
  • Prevent further complications (like substance dependence or severe mental health decline).

How SUD Can Mask Mental Health Symptoms

Co-occurring disorders often make underlying mental health disorders harder to recognize. Substance use can temporarily numb depression or anxiety, making it seem like the primary issue is addiction rather than an untreated mental health condition.
For example:
  • Alcohol might help someone with social anxiety feel more confident in the moment, but it can intensify long-term anxiety and lead to dependency
  • A person with bipolar disorder may use stimulants during depressive phases to boost energy, but this disrupts mood regulation and can trigger more extreme mood swings
  • Someone with PTSD might use opioids or other substances to escape distressing memories, making it harder to address the trauma itself

Whole-Person Recovery in New Mexico

At Longview Recovery, we believe in a comprehensive approach to co-occurring mental health treatment – one that addresses both disorders in a way that is tailored to each individual.

Our treatment philosophy focuses on evidence-based care, holistic healing, and long-term support, ensuring that clients have the tools they need for lasting recovery.

The following describes some of our treatment options:

Evidence-Based Therapies

We utilize proven therapeutic methods to help clients understand their emotions, manage symptoms, and develop healthier coping mechanisms to alleviate the symptoms of mental health disorders.
Some of the core therapies we offer include:
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to mental health struggles and substance use.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and building stronger interpersonal relationships.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A specialized therapy for processing and healing from trauma and PTSD.
  • Group Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, gain perspective, and build connections with others facing similar challenges.
At Longview Recovery, clients are given the opportunity to experience multiple therapeutic modalities at once, providing an integrated approach to care for mental health disorders.

Holistic Approaches

Mental health recovery goes beyond talk therapy. At Longview Recovery, we incorporate holistic practices to support overall well-being, reduce stress, and encourage emotional expression within the treatment plan for mental health disorders.
These approaches include:
  • Yoga and Meditation: Help regulate emotions, improve mindfulness, and reduce anxiety.
  • Art and Drama Therapy: Encourage creative expression as a way to process emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
  • Outdoor and Experiential Therapies: Activities like hiking and nature-based mindfulness exercises help clients reconnect with themselves in a peaceful, wilderness-inspired setting.
Holistic therapeutic options offer a comprehensive path to well-being, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit for lasting healing.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For those who need additional support in managing mental health symptoms, we offer MAT when appropriate. MAT can help stabilize mood disorders, reduce anxiety, and support recovery from substance use, allowing clients to focus on therapy and long-term healing.

Individualized Treatment Plans

We understand that every client’s journey is unique, which is why our team works closely with individuals to create personalized treatment plans that align with their needs, goals, and family dynamics.
Healing from mental health disorders isn’t about a one-size-fits-all approach – it’s about finding what works best for each person. We emphasize building life skills, maintaining healthy relationships, and learning how to navigate challenges with resilience.
At Longview Recovery, success is about helping clients and their families define what a fulfilling, sustainable recovery looks like and giving them the tools to achieve it.

Coping Strategies for Managing Mental Health Disorders

Managing a mental health disorder isn’t only about treatment – it’s also about developing healthy coping strategies that support long-term stability.4

At Longview Recovery, we help clients build sustainable habits that promote emotional and physical well-being, while simultaneously treating mental health disorders.

The following describes some of the strategies and habits focused on at Longview Recovery:

Healthy Routines

Sleep, nutrition, and exercise all play a critical role in mental health.
A consistent sleep schedule helps regulate mood, while balanced nutrition fuels the brain and body. Prioritizing these fundamental aspects of self-care can significantly enhance overall mental and emotional resilience.

Mindfulness Practices

Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and grounding exercises help reduce anxiety and improve emotional regulation. Mindfulness encourages individuals to stay present and manage triggers without reacting impulsively.

Building a Support Network

Isolation can worsen mental health disorders and their symptoms. Group therapy and peer support create a sense of connection, allowing individuals to share experiences, gain perspective, and feel understood.
Developing a strong support system – whether through therapy, 12-step programs, or sober living communities – helps reinforce recovery.

Self-Compassion Techniques

Mental health disorders and challenges often come with self-doubt and negative thoughts.
Learning to practice self-compassion through positive self-talk, setting boundaries, and recognizing personal progress can improve self-esteem and emotional resilience.
mental health disorders

Why Choose Longview Recovery?

Choosing the right treatment center can make all the difference in recovery.

At Longview Recovery, we offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach designed to address both mental health disorders and substance use challenges through our:

  • Experienced Clinicians: Our team specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, ensuring that both mental health and SUDs are treated simultaneously for lasting results
  • Whole-Person Care: Recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms – it’s about healing the mind, body, and spirit. Our combination of therapies, holistic practices, and life skills training helps clients rebuild their lives with a strong foundation
Longview Recovery offers caring, personalized support in a comfortable, nature-inspired setting. We help our clients find balance, build stability, and achieve lasting recovery.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

At Longview Recovery, we believe in treating the whole person, not only the symptoms, so clients can build a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health disorders and substance use, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out today to learn how we can help – because healing starts with the right supportand the right insurance coverage..

Longview Recovery is where your journey begins.

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