Mental illnesses are common in all countries and people with these illnesses are often subjected to poor quality of life, social isolation and increased deaths that involve suicides.
Mental illness disrupts a person’s thinking, mood, feeling, daily functioning and ability to relate to others.
Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to an effective cure for such illnesses.
Serious mental illnesses are schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.
There are lots of misconceptions about people who need psychiatric help and the role of psychiatrists. Among many diseases, mental illness is least understood by the public and even among the doctors. Unnecessary medications and expensive tests can be avoided a lot if the illness is identified as early as possible.
Mental illness is a disease that needs to be treated clinically. The abnormal behaviors that constitute to mental illness are abuse, short tempered nature, unable to succeed in an endeavor and lazy attitude. People who feel unsatisfied with life can suffer detrimental effects to their physical health as someone with mental illness.
Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, religion, income or race. Lack of character, personal weakness and poor upbringing are not the causes of these illnesses. They are treatable. People diagnosed with mental illness can get relief from their symptoms by participating in treatment plan.
Different myths of mental illness:
Violent and dangerous behavior in people: The truth is that mentally ill people are no more violent than any other people. They are more likely to be victims of violence but not violent.
Personal weakness is the cause: The truth is that personal weakness is not the cause of mental illness. It has nothing to do with mental illness.
People are poor and less intelligent: The truth is that mentally ill people are average and above average intelligent. Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of intelligence.
Treatment for mental illness:
Along with medication treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy and other community services are important in the treatment plan that helps in recovery of the illness. Good diet, exercise, sleep, and other volunteering activities contribute to overall health and wellbeing of the person, including recovery from the illness.
Minimizing the risk of mental illness:
Seeking early help, along with maintaining or improving mental wellness is the best way to reduce the risk of illness. Positive mental health is important to cope with the challenges of life and enjoy life. Eating a well balanced diet, taking part in physical activities regularly, avoiding overuse of alcohol, and illegal drugs can help to maintain positive mental health.
Learning to deal with daily stresses of life and talking to friends, family members and colleagues help to cope with the mental illness.
