MENTAL HEALTH VS MENTAL ILLNESS
MENTAL ILLNESS is not caused by ghosts or demons and should be treated like all other health problems, such as diabetes. Mental illness can occur due to several factors, such as chemicals imbalances, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, and a family history of mental illness.
Mental health, according to Margo O’Sullivan, clinical mental health counsellor, is a state of wellbeing where persons experience joy and peace of mind. Persons, she said, have positive thoughts towards self and life and one’s ability to succeed.
“Persons can cope with everyday stresses of life, manage stress and cope well with change and challenges. They can also work productively towards achieving their goals, and interact well with others,” O’Sullivan said.
Mental illness, on the other hand, is a group of illnesses associated with distress that may impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behaviour. Mental illness can affect work, social or family activities and personal relationships.
NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF AND LIFE
“Persons experience feelings of despair, pain and sorrow. They may have negative thoughts about self and life, and may have suicidal or self-harming thoughts. They may also be unable to cope and problem-solve, feeling hopeless, and might self-harm. Person affected by a mental illness may develop an impaired ability to work or work productively, and they may become withdrawn from family and friends,” O’Sullivan said.
In 2019, one in every eight, or 90 million people worldwide, were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depressive disorders the most common. Also referred to as ‘mental disorders’, ‘mental health disorders’ or ‘ mental health conditions ’, it involves significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behaviour.
“Not all persons living on the streets have a mental health disorder; some are homeless. Persons of any age, gender, race and economic status can be affected. Therefore, persons should not be stigmatised, but should be treated with respect and dignity,” O’Sullivan said.
Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience, hope and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society. Mental health is a component of overall well-being and it can influence, and be influenced by, physical health.
According to O’Sullivan, many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. However, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of as it is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes, and mental health conditions are treatable.
“We are continually expanding our understanding of how the human brain works, and treatments are available to help people successfully manage mental health conditions,” O’Sullivan said.
Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspects of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24.
EMOTIONAL DISORDERS
Common mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, behavioural and emotional disorders in children, bipolar affective disorder, dissociation and dissociative disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, paranoia, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and schizophrenia.
Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as some phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital. Similar to other medical illnesses, the optimal ways to provide care depend on the illness and the severity of its impact.
“The diagnosis of a mental disorder is not the same as a need for treatment. Need for treatment takes into consideration how severe the symptoms are, how much the symptoms cause distress and affect daily living, the risks and benefits of available treatments and other factors,” O’Sullivan said.
Mental health treatment is based upon an individualised plan developed collaboratively with a mental health clinician and an individual and family members, if the individual desires. It may include psychotherapy, medication or other treatments. Often, a combination of therapy and medication is most effective. Complementary and alternative therapies are also increasingly being used.
Self-help and support can be very important to an individual’s coping, recovery and well-being. Lifestyle changes, such as good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep with good sleep hygiene, can support mental health and recovery. A comprehensive treatment plan may include individual actions, for example, lifestyle changes, support groups or exercise that enhances recovery and well-being.