Definition

A Mental Illness is a a range of health conditions that disrupts a persons thinking, feeling, mood, and daily functioning behavior. Examples of mental illnesses include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. A mental health concern becomes an illness when it consistently interferes with a person's ability to function.

 

Causes

Mental illnesses are thought to be caused by a variety of factors. Inherited traits, environmental exposure to toxins before birth, and brain chemistry can all cause mental suffering. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable.

 

Complications

Mental illnesses are a leading cause of disability. Untreated mental illness can cause serve complications such as decreased life enjoyment, weakened immune system, family conflicts, relationship problems, social isolation, addiction to drugs and alcohol, work and school related problems, poverty,  homelessness, self-harm, homicide and sucide.

 

Treatments

Treatment varies based on the type of mental illness, the severity, and what personally works best for the individual.  In many cases, people with severe mental illness need professional relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan or treatment center. Lifestyle remedies are also highly important to build and maintain a treatment plan. Avoiding alcohol and drug use, staying active, avoiding important decisions when symptoms are severe, determining your priorities, surrounding yourself with happiness, and learning to adopt a positive attitude can aid in helping mental illness.

 

Support

Coping with a mental illness can be very challenging. First, it's important to grasp a good understanding of your mental illness or the illness of a loved one. Reach out and stay connected to the people who care about you so they can also learn and help what you are going through. Joining a support group can also help connect you to others facing similiar challenges if family and friends are too hard to talk to. Also, keeping a journal is a healthy way to express emotions and track your personal life to identify what triggers or improves your symptoms.