Actress Glenn Close, well known for her portrayal of Alexandra "Alex" Forrest, who has a mental illness, known as de Clerambault's Syndrome or erotomania, in the movie "Fatal Attraction", recently told CBS News that if she could replay the character she would play Forest differently. This is because her entire worldview of mental illness changed after watching how both her sister and nephew live with their disorders. According to Bring Change 2 Mind, an organisation Close now leads, "one of the best ways you can help someone with mental illness is by understanding what it is - and what it isn't. After all, myths about mental illnesses contribute to stigma, which in turn prevents those who are living with one from seeking help."
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS') effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, which could impact you or your family, our focus this month will be on mental illness.
According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Health Report 2001, one in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.
What is mental illness?
Mental illness comprises a broad range of problems, with different symptoms, observes WHO.
It is a "medical condition that disrupts 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", states the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
According to Mental Health America, there are over 200 classified forms of mental illness. Examples include schizophrenia, depression, mental retardation, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder and disorders due to drug abuse.
How does one become mentally ill?
Mental illnesses can affect anyone and could be "related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. As with cancer, diabetes and heart disease, mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological. Mental illnesses may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, or a combination of these", reveals Mental Health America.
But like with most diseases, mental illnesses are not the fault of the person living with the disease, says Bring Change 2 Mind. "The unusual behaviours associated with some illnesses are symptoms of the disease - not the cause," adds Bring Change 2 Mind.
Are they treatable?
Most mental disorders can be successfully treated through medication and psychosocial therapies - allowing those who live with the illness to lead full and productive lives, observes the National Institute of Mental Health. But according to WHO, almost two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. "Stigma, discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with mental disorders," says WHO.
Symptoms
Mental Health America lists the following as possible symptoms of a mental disorder:
In adults:
In older children and pre-adolescents:
In younger children:
What to do if you know someone with a mental illness?
Mental Health America offers the following useful guide:
Accept your feelings regardless of how negative they may be. "Find out all you can about your loved one's illness by reading and talking with mental health professionals. Share what you have learned with others."
Deal with their behaviour. The next time you visit your doctor or mental health professional, discuss the various behaviours your relative displays that you find difficult to deal with and develop a strategy for coping. "Your family member's behaviour may be as dismaying to them as it is to you. Ask questions, listen with an open mind and be there to support them."
You are not alone; establish a support network. If possible, seek support from friends, family members or a support group.
Obtain counselling. Therapy can be beneficial for both the individual with mental illness and family members. "A mental health professional can suggest ways to cope and better understand your loved one's illness." When choosing a therapist, be patient and talk to a few professionals so you can select the person that is right for you and your family.
Take time out. "Schedule time away to prevent becoming frustrated or angry. If you schedule time for yourself it will help you to keep things in perspective and you may have more patience and compassion for coping or helping your loved one. Being physically and emotionally healthy helps you to help others."
If you would like to know how GEMS can assist you or would like to obtain more information about any of your healthcare needs, you can phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and well-being.
Sources:
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