Mental Health Week: Some Illnesses Are Mental

What Causes Mental Health Problems?

While anything can lead to mental problems, some of the common causes are:

• Biological factors, such as genetics or brain chemistry
• Family history of mental illness
• Traumatic experiences
• Abuse

Types of Mental Illness

There are many mental illnesses, but here are the common ones:

• Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder)
• Anxiety
• Personality disorders (such as dissociative identity disorder)
• Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
• Eating disorders (such as bulimia and anorexia)
• Trauma-related disorders (such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD))
• Substance abuse 
• Phobias 

The Stigma Around Mental Illness

Mental illness can occur to anyone at any stage of life, irrespective of gender, age, or background. We cannot tell by looking at someone what their mental state is.

Social stigma and discrimination can make mental health problems worse and stop a person from getting the help they need. We need to be more compassionate towards such people and understand that they are going through challenges beyond what we can see or imagine. 

Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health

How can we check if we or our loved ones may be suffering from a mental illness? Here are some possible signs:

• Social isolation (making excuses to avoid gatherings)
• Pulling away from loved ones
• Mood swings
• Eating too much or too little
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Little-to-no energy
• Numbness
• Feeling helpless/hopeless
• Using substances, drinking, or smoking more than usual
• Confused state of mind
• More forgetful
• Hearing voices or having hallucinations
• Desire to harm yourself or others
• Inability to perform daily tasks (go to work, take care of a child, shower…etc)
• Lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities/hobbies

This list is not exhaustive. In general, if you or someone you care about is acting abnormally for an extended period of time without a clear cause, they may be suffering from a mental illness.

How to Help Someone With a Mental Illness

1. Talk it Out

Often people with depression, anxiety, or another mental disorder find it difficult to talk about it. They may fear you wouldn’t understand them. If you are suffering from mental issues, find someone you trust to open up to. This may be a family member, your partner, a good friend, or even a kind employer. 

If a loved one has a mental illness, make yourself a source of support for them. Be respectful and listen to them so they will feel more inclined to continue opening up to you. Do NOT say phrases such as “I know how you feel,” “This will pass,” or “You could have it worse.” Don’t blame them for their behaviour or frame it as something insignificant or even imaginary. Don’t interrupt them either.

2. Professional Help

As much as a supportive person may be able to help, they are not your therapist. Seek a professional to find treatment plans for overcoming your mental illness.

If your loved one is struggling mentally, encourage them to seek professional help, but do not force them. Let them make the decision to get help and offer your support, such as accompanying them to their first therapist session if possible.

Spreading Mental Health Awareness

This Mental Health Week, check in with yourself and your loved ones. If you are struggling with a mental illness, do not hesitate to reach out to a trusted person or get professional help. If someone you care about is struggling, be a source of support. Nobody has to face mental health problems alone. Mental illnesses are treatable and most people can overcome them to live productive and happy lives.

Complete a self-assessment of your mental health.

Sources:

https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/treatment-for-mental-illness