What is Mental Illness?
		In general, they're disorders of the brain, your body's most important organ. A Mental Illness is: A health condition, much like heart disease or diabetes. No one's fault -- not the person's, nor the family's. There are many causes of Mental Illness, including: birth trauma chemical imbalances in the brain other biological, environmental, social and cultural factors. Why Learn About Mental Illnesses? Because they affect millions of people! Yet most people know little about mental illnesses. People with a mental illness need your understanding and support -- just as people with other health conditions do. Mental illnesses are treatable. With proper treatment, many people with a mental illness get well and lead productive lives. At some point in your life, mental illness may affect you or someone you know. Learn more... Know the Facts from the Fiction FICTION: A Mental Illness Means You're Crazy FACT: No, it means you have a mental disorder. Using cruel labels, such as 'crazy' or 'psycho,' only causes pain and discourages people from seeking help. FICTION: People with a mental illness can 'pull themselves out of it.' FACT:A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness -- nor can it be cured by personal strength. Proper treatment is needed. FICTION:People with a mental illness will always be ill. FACT:For some people, a mental illness may be a lifelong condition, like diabetes. But, as with diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with a mental illness to lead fulfilling lives. FICTION:People with a mental illness are often violent. FACT: People with a mental illness are much more likely to be victims of violence than its cause. With proper treatment, people with a mental illness are no more likely to be violent than the general population. FICTION:Children don't suffer from mental illness. FACT: False! Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Getting prompt treatment is essential. FICTION: Mental illnesses can't affect me. FACT: Mental illnesses can affect anyone. They strike people of all ages, races and income levels, whether or not there is a family history of mental illness. Some Common Types of Mental Illnesses Depression. It's more than feeling sad from time to time. Depression is a lasting feeling of great sadness of helplessness. A Person with Depression: finds it hard to get pleasure from life may sleep a lot or very little lacks energy feels worthless may think a lot about death and suicide a person with suicidal thoughts should get help right away Possible Causes of Depression include biological illness, a chemical imbalance in the brain, heredity, stress and other factors. Bipolar Disorder. It's also called manic-depressive illness. The person has extreme mood swings (highs and lows). A Person with Bipolar Disorder has periods of: mania (a lot of energy, wild behavior, racing thoughts, less need of sleep, overconfidence). normal energy and feelings depression Each period may last days or months. Possible Causes of Bipolar Disorder include biological illness, a chemical imbalance in the brain, heredity, stress and other factors. Schizophrenia is a group of disorders marked by unusual thoughts, actions and emotions. It's not the same as 'split' or 'dual' personality. A Person with Schizophrenia: often can't get along with others may be unable to take care of him- or herself may not make sense when talking may have strong fears, hallucinations (experiences of visions or voices), obsessions and delusions (false beliefs) often withdraws from everyday life Possible Causes of Schizophrenia include a chemical or hormonal imbalance, genetic abnormalities of the brain, infections and other factors. Anxiety Disorders result from fear or anxiety that is severe or lasting. They include: General Anxiety - tension or irritability that lasts a month or more. Phobia - strong fears about an object, place or situation (for example, fear of heights) Panic Attacks - sudden fear or terror, which causes heart flutters, dizziness, sweating, etc. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - thoughts, images or actions that are constantly repeated. Possible Causes of Anxiety Disorders include many factors, such as the brain's inability to chemically control anxiety. Some Other Types of Mental Illnesses: alcoholism and other drug dependencies dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease) personality disorders eating disorders (such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa) post-traumatic stress disorders psychoses and conduct disorders The Warning Signs of Mental Illness usually occur gradually, and are lasting or severe. These signs may indicate other physical problems besides mental illness. If warning signs are lasting or severe, seek professional help.They include: Changes in Daily Routine (such as sleeping or eating more, or unexplained physical problems) Confused Thinking or Speech Delusions Denial (refusing to admit there may be a problem, or to seek help) Abuse of Alcohol or other drugs Lasting Depression Hallucinations Inability to Cope with daily activities Mood Swings Excessive Fears worries or anxiety Strong Feelings of anger Suicidal Thoughts or threats Withdrawal from family life, friends, and usual activities. Mental Illnesses are Treatable. Treatment methods usually include a combination of: Psychotherapy. This includes individual, family and group therapy. Psychotherapy can help people: understand the illness learn how to deal with any problems the illness causes make positive changes in their lives Medication. Many mental illnesses and their symptoms can be treated with medications. Medication can help correct chemical imbalances, enabling most people who receive treatment to stop suffering and lead productive lives. Ask your health-care provider or mental health professional about all risks and benefits. To ensure proper treatment, have a professional diagnosis and a medical checkup. Some Q&A Do most people with mental illnesses have to be hospitalized? No. Most people with mental illnesses are treated as outpatients. However, for some, hospitalization is an effective part of a treatment plan. What if someone I know has a mental illness? Spend time with the person, and maintain your relationship. Let the person know that he or she can count on your love and support. Advise the person to seek professional help. What can I do in my community to help? Be a volunteer -- support educational programs, fundraising efforts, etc. Also, help remove the stigma from mental illness by NOT using labels such as 'crazy.' Replace ridicule with compassion. This information is not a substitute for an informed discussion with a mental health professional or your health-care provider about the procedures, information, symptoms, medications or diagnoses described on this page. Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center, Inc. Contact Us Online Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72917 Tel. 479/452-6650, TF. 800/542-1031, Fax. 479/452-5847