A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. People with mental illnesses can have difficulty functioning in their daily lives, such as at work, school, or in their relationships. They may also have greater risks of developing physical health problems like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. The stigma associated with mental illness, lack of awareness, and lack of access to care prevent many people from seeking help.
Causes of Mental Illness
A combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors may contribute to mental illness. Some of these factors include:
-
Some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or autism, are genetically influenced. Genes, however, interact with other factors to influence the risk of developing mental illnesses, so having a family history of mental illness does not guarantee that one will develop one.
-
There are billions of nerve cells in the brain that communicate with each other using chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals can affect how the brain processes information, regulates emotions, moods, and behaviors when they are imbalanced or dysfunctional. A number of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, may be associated with abnormal neurotransmitter levels or activity.
-
PTSD, depression, and anxiety can be triggered or worsened by stressful or traumatic events in life, including abuse, violence, loss, or conflict. Depending on a person's coping skills, support system, and resilience, life events may have a different impact.
-
People's mental health and wellbeing can be affected by their social and environmental contexts. It can be difficult to cope with mental illness or increase the risk of mental illness if these factors are present or if they are discriminated against, isolated, violent, or lacking access to resources.
Symptoms of Mental Illness
Symptoms of mental illness can vary according to the type, severity, and duration of the condition. However, the following signs and symptoms may indicate a mental health problem:
-
Feelings of sadness, anger, anxiety, or irritability
-
Thinking changes, such as difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
-
Changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from social activities, losing interest in hobbies, or engaging in risky or harmful activities
-
Physical changes, such as difficulty sleeping, eating, or maintaining hygiene
-
Perceptions that are unusual or distorted, such as hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia
-
Feeling hopeless or worthless, or thinking of harming oneself or others
Diagnosis of Mental Illness
A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor, will conduct a comprehensive assessment that may include:
-
Identify any coexisting medical conditions or rule out any physical causes of the symptoms by reviewing a medical history
-
Gathering information about the onset, duration, frequency, and severity of symptoms, as well as any previous diagnoses or treatments
-
Genetic or environmental factors may affect the risk or course of the condition based on the family history
-
The use of standardized tests, questionnaires, or interviews to assess a person's mood, thoughts, feelings, and behavior
-
Checking for signs of infection, hormonal imbalance, or substance abuse through a physical examination and laboratory tests
As a result of the assessment, the mental health professional will use a diagnostic manual, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), to diagnose the disorder. In order to plan appropriate treatment and support for the individual, the mental health professional and the individual will need to understand the nature and causes of the condition.
Treatment of Mental Illness
People with mental illnesses may receive treatment based on their type, severity, and individual needs. Treatment options include:
-
Some mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, can be reduced or managed with medication. As a result of medication, mood, thoughts, and behavior of a person are regulated. However, medication is not a cure for mental illness and may have side effects or interact with other medications. Therefore, medication should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified health professional, and taken according to directions.
-
It is a type of therapy that explores and resolves psychological and emotional issues that contribute to or result from mental illness, as well as talk therapy or counseling. By participating in psychotherapy, a person can gain a better understanding of their condition, cope with their feelings, change their behavior, and improve their relationships. Depending on the person's needs and preferences, psychotherapy can be delivered individually, as a group, or with family members. Different types and approaches of psychotherapy exist, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
-
Psychosocial interventions aim to improve the social and functional skills, wellbeing, and quality of life of people with mental illness. Psychosocial interventions include:
-
To provide information and resources about mental illness, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery, to the individual and their family, friends, and communities
-
The purpose of peer support is to connect the person with other people who have lived with mental illness and can provide emotional, practical, or motivational support
-
By using strategies such as goal setting, problem solving, and coping skills, the person can take control of their own recovery
-
By providing training, coaching, or placement services, vocational rehabilitation assists people in finding, maintaining, or returning to meaningful work or education
-
In case management, various services and supports are coordinated and integrated, such as health care, housing, legal services, or financial assistance.
Prevention of Mental Illness
In order to reduce the risk or impact of mental illness, some steps can be taken, such as:
-
Developing resilience, self-esteem, and coping skills in oneself and in others by creating a positive and supportive environment
-
Seeking help early: To recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and seek professional help as soon as possible, before the condition worsens or leads to complications
-
A patient must adhere to the prescribed medication, therapy, or intervention, and inform their health care provider of any concerns or changes.
-
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress
-
Maintaining meaningful and supportive relationships with family, friends, colleagues, or professionals who can provide emotional, practical, or motivational support
