Stigma's and Mental Illness

In days gone by the diagnosis of Mental Illness meant you were headed straight for the funny farm. A person with a mental illness was thought to be wacky. Today the stigma's of mental illness have come out of the darkness and into the light of revelation and understanding.

There are many definitions for mental illness, but the bottom line is that it is an illness that affects the mind and the emotions of those afflicted resulting in the inability to carry on normal responsibilities.

The root of mental disorders stem from a whole host of issues such as psychological, biochemical, genetics, traumas, head injuries, genetics and more.

Most types of mental illness have symptoms that are experienced by everyone. But when those symptoms take over and render you helpless or unable to cope you have moved from bothersome symptoms to mental illness which must be addressed.

A simple, brief list of the types of mental illnesses follows:

• Anxiety-a sense of dread and fear which can lead to phobias;
• Tic Disorders-involuntary body movements or sounds;
• Mood Disorders-including bi-polar and clinical depression;
• Psychotic Disorders-including Schizophrenia;
• Impulse Control Disorders-skipping the thought process to get immediate satisfaction which may lead to addictions;
• Dissociative Disorders-formally known as multiple personality disorder and more.

Although the definitions above are in no way complete ... can you identify with any of them? Have these symptoms begun to take over your life or your ability to cope? Take action! First of all forget the stigma. Forget the fear of heading to the funny farm. We are living in an age of enlightenment where miraculous treatments and support are available.

If you had a broken leg, would you just live with it or would you go to your physician?  No, you would go get help from your doctor.  Your mind is part of your body and if your mental state is interfering with your every day life it is time to get help.

The specialist for the mind is called a psychologist and the medical physician for the mind is a psychiatrist. An expert will be able to diagnose and treat your symptoms. With the help of Doctor's, counselor's and mental health groups you will be able to control the symptoms and live your life to its fullest.

Mental Illness is no longer a life sentence, it is a treatable condition that can be controlled and managed. Begin today to take charge of your mental condition.

Go to: Healthy Place

Getting a psychiatric evaluation can be key to determining the cause of your psychological symptoms and obtaining proper treatment.