By Juliet Douglas, MSW, LCSW Princeton HealthCare System
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 4 persons in the United States has a mental illness. That means most people know someone with a mental illness.
In fact, more than 60 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds will experience mental illness in any given year, according to NAMI. Perhaps even more concerning than that is that there still remains a stubborn stigma around the disease.
In an effort to combat that stigma, mental health advocates are coming together during the first week of October to celebrate Mental Illness Awareness Week. The week aims at educating people about mental illness and fighting the stigma associated with it.
There are many types of mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar illness, various types of anxiety disorders and depression. Each illness has a distinct constellation of symptoms. Many of these illnesses may be misunderstood by the general public. The misguided notions that surround each condition are widespread.
Some common misconceptions include:
• Those with schizophrenia are violent and dangerous.
• Major depressive disorder is a sign of weakness.
• Having a mental illness is a personality flaw rather than a disease.
• Mental illness is a phase and can be easily controlled by will power.
• Treatment doesn’t work.
In order to avoid those misconceptions, it is helpful to understand mental illness as a disease, not unlike liver disease, heart disease, or lung disease. Successful treatment of mental illness involves biological, psychosocial and relational interventions, with best practices determined by scientific outcomes research. Appropriate treatment often helps people with mental illness to recover, to regain a sense of well being and to improve functioning.
Unfortunately, when people don’t understand the true nature of mental illness — its biopsychosocial basis — they are less likely to seek help and treatment. In fact, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, less than a third of adults with mental illness seeks treatment, due in part to fear of stigma and lack of education.
When people avoid seeking help because of the stigma associated with mental illness, the consequences can be dire. Many people struggling with mental illness are self-critical and ashamed, leading them to become isolated, avoidant or withdrawn. If left untreated, mental illness can lead to strained relationships, loss of employment, desperation and in some cases even suicide.
Typically, the problem does not go away without appropriate intervention and adequate supports. Some people may attempt to self- medicate with alcohol or drugs.
The fact is that mental illness is treatable. People can and do get better. There are many forms of effective treatment — from counseling and psychotherapy to medication — for all types of mental illness.
Family and friends can do their part by understanding that mental illness is a disease and by recognizing the signs and symptoms typically associated with mental illness.
Some signs of possible mental illness include:
• finding little or no pleasure in life;
• feeling worthless, hopeless or sad;
• being withdrawn;
• having low energy’
• anxiety or panic attacks;
• crying spells;
• loss of interest in hobbies or fun activities;
• having racing thoughts or an inability to concentrate, and/or
• feeling irritable or angry for a prolonged period.
These are just a few of many possible symptoms, as there are many different mental illnesses. Significant behavioral or emotional changes over a prolonged period of time with declines in work, educational or social functioning would be a good reason to seek professional help.
If you or a loved one is experiencing these types of symptoms over a prolonged period, you might consider seeking a consultation with a primary care physician, a licensed psychotherapist, or psychiatrist. These professionals will be able to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
In addition, while mental illness can be frustrating for friends and family members, it is important to remember that it is a real disease. Rather than reacting negatively to the behavior of someone with a mental illness, we should try to tap into our compassion and humanity. Encourage the person to seek treatment in an empathetic and caring way.
Above all, remember there’s no shame in asking for help. Don’t let stigma stand in the way.
Juliet Douglas, M.S.W., L.C.S.W., is a licensed clinical social worker and the Site Director at Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Outpatient Site in Princeton.
Princeton House Behavioral Health, a unit of Princeton HealthCare System, provides treatment and personalized care for people who need psychiatric support, are abusing or dependent on chemicals, or who struggle with a combination of emotional and addiction problems. For help, call 24 hours a day at 800-242-2550.
