Many people think that mental illness is rare, something that only happens to people with life situations very different from their own, and that it will never affect them. This is far from accurate. In fact, the surgeon general of the United States reports that mental illnesses are so common that few U.S. families are untouched by them. The illnesses include (but are not limited to) depression, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse disorders and more.
A mental illness can be defined as a health condition that changes a person’s thinking, feelings, or behavior (or all three) that causes the person (and those around them) distress and difficulty in functioning. As with many diseases, mental illness is severe in some cases and mild in others. Individuals who have a mental illness don’t necessarily look like they are sick, especially if their illness is mild. Other people may show more explicit symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal.
Not all brain diseases are categorized as mental illnesses. Disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are brain disorders, but they are considered neurological diseases rather than mental illnesses.
As scientists continue to study the brain, they are discovering the changes associated with the brain’s structure, chemistry and function and that mental illnesses indeed have a biological basis. There are situations that can lead to a person struggling with mental wellness, but often mental illnesses are inherited so they are no-fault disorders. However, it IS a persons fault for staying “stuck” in their illness and not getting help to recover. Wellness is possible; people do recover and lead productive lives. You can ask me how. Email me at paddykutz@alink.com or call MHA at 522-1341.
If a person denies that he/she could be experiencing a mental illness they likely will not get well or recover. There are many services in Licking County to support and treat a person as they move to wellness. Mental Health America of Licking County runs free self-help support groups for depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Did you know that exercise can change the brain chemistry in a positive way? So can positive thinking! Exercise helps you feel better from head to toe and it is free.
Others who help are The Main Place Recovery Center, Moundbuilders Guidance Center, The Woodlands, Shepherd Hill Behavioral Health, LAPP, Kraner Behavioral Health, Licking County United Way, Community Mental Health & Recovery Board of Licking and Knox Cos, Psychological Consultants, Psychological & Counseling Services and others. Of course, Mental Health America of Licking County, the longest established education, prevention and advocacy agency is here too. Call Pathways at 211 to get information on these mental health and recovery services. We all want to have the healthiest population possible.
Watch for symptoms like marked personality change, inability to cope with problems and daily activities, strange or grandiose ideas, excessive anxieties, prolonged depression and apathy, marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns, thinking or talking about suicide or harming oneself, extreme mood swings—high or low, abuse of alcohol or drugs, and excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior. A person who shows any of these signs should seek help from a qualified health professional.
Celebrate your good mental health and don’t think twice about getting help for yourself or loved ones. It’s the smart thing to do. Let’s get rid of the stigma that keeps people stuck in their illness.
by Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County
No comments:
Post a Comment