WHAT IS A MENTAL ILLNESS ?
Previously we discussed the four major features of a mental illness and how neurotransmitters come in to action. The first feature, brain
dysfunction is due to changes in different neurotransmitters, mainly: serotonin, dopamine and acetyl choline. Serotonin levels are low in depression, excess dopamine levels are found in
schizophrenia and acetyl choline levels are low in dementia; in addition to all the other complex changes in the brain.
The second feature is changes in thoughts, emotions and perceptions.
What will happen to one’s thoughts? One will tend to have different and unusual thoughts unlike before. Not only will they start to suspect people, but will also claim to be poisoned or cursed by another person. Some people tend to believe that they have a special power to cure others or are being controlled by an alien force. Some think that their thoughts are read by others or are being transmitted to a computer and all sorts of things.
How will this affect a relationship? One may tend to think that their partners are unfaithful without an adequate reason, due to mainly thoughts of jealousy towards the partner. They start checking their spouse’s phone, purse and clothes. As it gets worse, they will start following their spouse around and will constantly give calls to check on them. It may develop up to making them quit their jobs. Their relationships with others may be normal and they might even convince the others of their spouse’s unfaithfulness. That person will constantly nag the spouse to confess of a relationship, which is really not there. Ultimately it will lead to frequent quarrels which is caused by the mental illness and not due to unfaithfulness. They will get depressed thinking further of it and may even get suicidal thoughts.
In the end they both will not even know what the actual reason is. Sometimes this situation critically affects not only the couple, but also the third person who is falsely accused of having the extramarital relationship. Treating this type of a person is not that easy since the spouse is involved in the person’s doubt as well as the fact that sometimes the spouse will be the only one to realise their changes. So in the end they will refuse to come along with the spouse thinking that they are not mentally ill and that it is a part of the spouse’s conspiracy against them. If not treated, it will further complicate the situation ending with a separation or even death. Therefore identifying one’s changes in thoughts are very important to figure out their mental health.