Education
On average, it takes 2 years to properly diagnose a mental health issue. Many people delay seeking treatment for mental illness due to the stigma associated with mental health. But with the right treatment, it can be managed as well as any physical disease. Learn more about mental illness…
What is mental illness?
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
What are the different types of mental illness?
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.
Who is affected by mental illness?
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
How can you treat a mental illness?
In addition to medication treatment, psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, peer support groups, and other community services can also be components of a treatment plan and assist with recovery. The availability of transportation, diet, exercise, sleep, friends, and meaningful paid or volunteer activities contribute to overall health and wellness, including mental illness recovery.