Discussions about mental health have been more overt in recent years, led by celebrities and influencers who have opened up to the public either about their personal struggles or of someone close to them. However, there is still a long way to go before a good majority of the population achieves a clear understanding of what mental illnesses are really all about.
For most people, poor mental health and mental illness are seen as one condition, and the two phrases are often used in lieu of the other. But while they are somewhat related, they are actually two different conditions. Someone who is experiencing poor mental health will not necessarily be diagnosed as mentally ill, while another person who is mentally ill may not always be in a bad mental state, which means that they can also have moments of happiness and enjoyment.
It is important to have a proper understanding of mental illness so you can be better equipped to handle the condition if it happens to you or to someone you love. After all, it is one of the most common health issues that occur in the US alone, with about 20% of Americans estimated to be afflicted in a year. It can occur even in children, with 1 out of 5 expected to have a serious mental illness at some point in their childhood.
Defining Mental Illness
In simpler terms, mental illness is a medical condition that involves considerable changes in an individual’s mindset, feelings, or behavior. It can also be a combination of two or all three of these areas, making it difficult for the person to function normally in society.
While it must not be taken lightly, most mental illnesses are treatable and patients are able to resume their daily activities after receiving proper treatment. As modern science continues to delve deeper into the complexities of the human brain, mental health specialists have developed a better understanding of the factors that cause mental illness and thus are able to come up with improved solutions to manage the condition.
As a disease, mental illness can attack anyone regardless of age, gender, income, race, or background. However, it has been observed more often in people aged 24 and above. It can also vary in severity, with some cases being mild enough to be managed at home, while others are serious enough to require hospitalization.
More often than not, mental illnesses occur simultaneously with other conditions, with drug and alcohol abuse as some of the more common co-occurring disorders. This can affect the recovery process which is why in such cases, all conditions must be addressed together in the treatment plan.
Diagnosing Mental Illness
As a medical condition, mental illness is best examined by a medical professional. If you or someone you know is suspected of having this ailment, seek help from a mental health specialist in order to get the proper diagnosis and treatment. This can be a tricky process as some types of mental illnesses have symptoms that can be seen in other medical conditions such as thyroid problems.
Cultural background and lifestyle must also be taken into consideration as these could influence the patient’s interpretation of his experiences as well as the way he explains his mental health condition to his attending physician. For these reasons, a mental health specialist would often use a series of tests to determine a person’s mental condition. A diagnosis would usually involve physical and psychiatric checks, blood and laboratory tests, as well as neurological exams.
Treating Mental Illness
Because every person is unique, there is also no fixed treatment for mental illness. The recovery plan must be customized to target each symptom and adjusted according to the severity of the patient’s condition. The mental health specialist must also take into account how much the illness has disrupted the patient’s normal life, then find ways to balance the risks and benefits of the treatment.
Depending on the symptoms, the treatment may comprise psychotherapy, medication, and alternative methods. This involves a team of medical professionals from different but complementary fields which may include psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, nurses, peer support practitioners, and mental health aides.
The patient also needs to cooperate and work together with his attending physician in order to achieve the optimal effect of the treatment. Lifestyle changes may be required to facilitate the patient’s recovery and improve his overall well-being. Proper diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep are among the basic requirements when treating someone with this condition.
The road to recovery from a mental illness is long and needs the cooperation of the family members as well as other significant people in his immediate social circle. This is why the attending physician, psychiatrists, and other mental care clinicians must take the time to help the patients and their families understand their condition and what they can do to help manage the symptoms and complement the treatment plan.
