The Myths and The Facts About Mental Illness

Bipolar Disorder,  Schizophrenia and other mental illness disorders can confuse some and terrify others. Being truthful forthright about your mental illness helps other people understand your mental illness better. It can help others understand, respect, and defeat stigma that all to often comes along with mental illness. The fact is that, mental illness is a real disease.

There are people who think bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other brain/mood disorders are not real illnesses. Psychiatric disorders are true medical illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, brain and mood disorders are in fact real medical illnesses that have a biological and genetic cause and a physical cause as well. Mental illness disorders can be inherited from generation to generation. The good news is that they are very treatable diseases.

Unfortunately mental illness is a lifelong disorder. Often times it first appears in young adulthood or later in older adults. Another myth is that people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia have violent and deranged tendencies. When in fact the statistics show that they are no less violent than the general population.

There are several successful medications to treat bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. You can't make a mental illness go away. Serious mental illness requires professional help, including a medicine routine, psychotherapy combined with a plan for wellness. Such as lithium, and many other medications which might include tegretol, seroquel, depakote, lamictal and others.

The good news is that with the right treatment plan, staying med compliant, and regular therapy sessions people with a mental illness can be successful, stable and lead a healthy and well balanced life. There are more treatment services and community based support systems available in your community. People with mental health issues can and do lead normal lives, with proper treatment plans.

Depression does not make you week or lazy, it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. You might try some cognitive therapy. If you have been depressed for a long time, you need to develop some coping skills. Medication such as an anti-depressant can be prescribed, always consult your doctor if depression persists. He can make referrals to a mental health facility or other treatment plans.

Schizophrenia is not spilt personality. It is an illness that affects people to not think clearly or logically. Schizophrenics experiendelusions, hallucinations, bizarre behavior,disorganized speech, this includes lack of motivation or interest, diminished cognitive functioning, and diminished emotional articulation.

It is normal for the elderly to become depressed. Unfortunately it often goes unrecognized because it isn't reported most of the time. Late-life depression affects about 6 million Americans age 65 and older, but only 10% receive treatment. Depression tends to last longer in elderly adults. It also doubles their risk of developing cardiac disease, reduces their ability to rehabilitate, and increases their risk of death from illness.

Children and teens can and do develop mental illnesses. 1 in 10 children and teens are affected by a mental disorder. During childhood the number of boys and girls affected are almost equal. In the teen years, twice as many girls as boys are diagnosed. Children with a family history of depression are at a greater risk of experiencing depression themselves. Children who have parents that suffer from depression tend to develop depression earlier than children whose parents do not. Children from chaotic or conflicted families, or children and teens who abuse substances like alcohol and drugs, are also at greater risk of depression.

People do get better, the recovery process can begin with medications, therapy and positive treatment plans. There may be relapses, because treatment is not a cure, it is an ongoing process. With diligence and perseverance you can have wellness and productivity in your life.