Mental Illness or Personality Trait: What Is Neurosis?

It seems like every popular TV show has a character who’s the token neurotic friend. They’re usually portrayed as a little quirky but still endearing. The show’s plot points may center around humor or jokes about the character’s personality or casually toss around mental illness terms such as OCD.

However, the reality of living with a neurotic illness is very different. Keep reading to learn the difference between a neurosis trait and neurotic illness symptoms and what to do if you think you’re suffering from the latter.

What Is Neurotic Illness?

Neuroticism is one of the main categories of personality, and everyone has some degree of neuroticism. However, this is different than suffering from a neurotic mental health illness. Those with a neurotic personality and individuals with a neurotic disorder may experience some of the same thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The main difference is in the degree of intensity.

Those with the neurotic illness have more extreme reactions, such as anxiety, anger or panic attacks, when things aren’t working the way they prefer. These emotions and reactions can interfere with relationships and work responsibilities and have a negative impact on the person’s quality of life.

For example, we all know someone — or perhaps, we are that someone — who believes the dishwasher should be loaded a certain way. They may express frustration when someone doesn’t load it properly, but after that, they move on until it happens again. They don’t spend hours or days thinking about it, and they don’t get angry or upset to the point of damaging their relationships.

However, someone with a neurotic illness may experience so much anxiety that they can’t let anyone else load the dishwasher. If someone does load it incorrectly and runs it, they have to take the clean dishes out, reload them the “right” way and then rerun the dishwasher.

This an example of how intensity can be a deciding factor between a preference or quirk and an actual mental health issue. It’s very common in today’s world to hear statements like “I’m a little OCD.” However, these are gross generalizations of these types of disorders and how badly they can impact those suffering from true mental health issues.

The bottom line: If you feel that your thoughts and behaviors are keeping you from living the life you want — or if your loved ones have expressed concern — it’s a good idea to talk to a mental health care provider. A professional can help you identify what you’re going through and offer possible paths forward.

What Are the Effects of Ignoring Symptoms of Neurosis?

While mental health awareness has increased in recent years, it’s still common for people to brush off their symptoms as personality quirks or something they don’t have the time to attend to right now. This can be a dangerous game, however.

When symptoms of neurosis are ignored, they may become more severe over time. This can lead to an individual not being able to maintain personal relationships, hold a steady job or leave their own house for extended periods. All of this can result in isolation, financial difficulties, and other issues such as agoraphobia.

This can begin to impact a person’s physical health just as much as their emotional health. Not being able to leave the house without anxiety can increase the risk of depression. And if the person isn’t able to keep a job, they could end up in poor living conditions or not having easy access to nutritious foods.

Could the Symptoms of Neurosis Be Caused by Something Else?

It’s possible for symptoms of neurosis to be brought on by other things, such as changes in brain chemistry or side effects of some medications. It’s also common for neurotic illness to be present with other mental health issues, such as eating disorders, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder.

Should You Get Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of neurosis that are affecting your quality of life, talking to a healthcare provider is an important first step. Doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and some counselors may provide a mental health diagnosis.

Before you’re diagnosed, the provider may ask about your neurosis symptoms, including their severity, and other questions about your life and relationships. You may also be asked to complete a questionnaire or personality assessment. Your provider will take all this information and see if it qualifies for a diagnosis of neurotic illness — or possibly another related illness.

It’s common to be worried about getting an official mental health diagnosis and what that might mean for the rest of your life. There’s still a stigma in some circles when it comes to mental health, and some people may be worried about what their friends or family might think. However, the most important thing to consider is your own quality of life. A mental health diagnosis doesn’t define you; it’s a guide for treatment.

Getting an official diagnosis is often a huge relief for those who’ve been experiencing symptoms of neurosis without really understanding them. And it can be incredibly helpful to know there are people who understand what you’re going through and can support you through treatment and management.

A Better Life Is Possible

If you or a loved one have been dealing with neurotic illness, it can be difficult to imagine a better life, but it is possible. Talking to a mental health professional who understands your symptoms and can help you figure out how to best deal with them is the first step. Whether your treatment plan includes therapy or medication, it’s likely you can improve your overall quality of life.

At FHE Health, we know it can be a challenge just to get through an average day when you’re struggling with mental health issues. But we also know there’s hope for a better life through proper diagnosis and treatment.

If you’re concerned you may be suffering from a neurotic mental illness, contact us at FHE to find out more about our programs. By calling (833) 596-3502, you can talk with a mental health practitioner who can get you started on the path to a better life.