What are Mental Illnesses?
Over 54 million Americans in any one year suffer from some form of mental illness, including schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders. The phrase "mental illnesses" is used for several reasons:
(1) recent research has shown that many of these disorders have biological origins;
(2) medication is frequently a part of treatment; and
(3) as with physical illnesses, mental illnesses are not signs of personal weakness, but real and serious disorders, deserving skilled and compassionate treatment.
What Causes Mental Illnesses
Causes of mental illnesses are not well understood; there are undoubtedly different causes for different disorders. Current research suggests that there may be an inherited predisposition to develop a disorder, and that many disorders involve a problem in transferring information from one brain cell to another. Stressful situations and the use of recreational drugs my contribute to the onset of a disorder in a susceptible person. Formerly popular theories that dysfunctional family systems cause mental illnesses are not supported by research.
What are the Signs of Mental Illnesses?
The following various signs may indicate that a person needs to seek treatment. Having one symptom is not necessarily a sign of a mental illness, but if problems worsen or multiply, a mental health professional should be consulted.
Marked personality change over time
Confused thinking; strange and grandiose ideas
Prolonged severe depression, apathy, or extreme highs and lows
Excessive anxieties, fears, or suspiciousness; blaming others
Withdrawal form society, friendlessness; abnormal self-centeredness
Denial of obvious problems; strong resistance to help
Thinking or talking about suicide
Numerous unexplained physical ailments; marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns or hostility out of proportion to the situation
Abuse of alcohol or drugs
Growing inability to cope with problems and daily activities such as school, job or personal needs
Is It Really a Mental Illness?
Sometimes physical health problems can produce symptoms which closely resemble those of mental illnesses. Various physical diseases and many other conditions (ranging from dietary deficiencies to lead poisoning) can cause or worsen psychiatric symptoms. For this reason, it may be important to have a physical health evaluation to be sure the problem is not the result of a physical condition.
Where To Go For Services
When a persons has decided to seek services, they have the option of going to a publicly-funded agency or seeing a private therapist. Public agencies are regulated by the Office of Mental Health and accept all types of insurance including Medicaid and Medicare. If you do not have insurance, agencies will offer a sliding scale as they cannot turn anyone away for lack of ability to pay. If the agency you are going to is a community mental health center, it will offer a full range of service including inpatient, outpatient treatment, and emergency services. For a complete listing of these services in Monroe County, please refer to Finding Your Way.
Private Therapists are most often psychiatrists, psychologists social workers, psychiatric nurses or mental health counselors. These titles are regulated in New York State. Private therapists do not have to accept insurance. Remember that you are a consumer paying for a service and have a right to ask about a therapists' credentials, kind of therapy used, cost and expected length of therapy.
The Mental Health Association operates a Therapist Referral Service which lists the names of local therapists who are accepting new clients. Call the office to learn more.
What Is Self-Help?
Self-help groups are run primarily by non-professionals who believe that when people share struggles, ideas and information, they learn new ways of coping and often experience a sense of belonging to a caring community. They stress the ability of an individual to solve his or her own problems with the aid of others in the same situation.
The Mental Health Association maintains a comprehensive Support Group Directory which can be accessed through the Home Page.
What Are the Signs of a Mentally Well Person?
Characteristics of a mentally well person include feelings good abut themselves, being comfortable with other people and being able to meet the demands of life.
Mental health is the ability to handle everyday demands and situations including our own emotional upsets, without excessive stress and strain. A mentally healthy person has a sense of well-being and functions effectively in life. She/he can work regularly, think clearly, mange her/his emotions, enjoy life, and keep on reasonably good terms with most people, including her/himself.