Mental Illness is just Illness

Mental illness is no joking matter. It's also doesn't or shouldn't carry the negative stigma that it once did.

Mental illness is like any other illness. It's a part of your body that is not well. If you had a problem with your leg, back, wrist, etc you'd seek medical help and have no issue with others knowing it was there. If you had a disease like MS, Arthritis, Kidney disease, etc you'd seek medical help and usually have no issue with others knowing.


Mental illness is no different. It is a disease, a part of the body that is not well. One should seek medical help and shouldn't be embarrassed about it, but sadly so many do not seek help and are embarrassed even today.

One of the most common mental illnesses is Mood Disorders, including but not limited to Major depression. People with these disorders have moods that go beyond feeling "blue." Experts find that mood disorders have varying degrees of severity. These may include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and dysthymic disorder.

Major depression is characterized by persistently sad, hopeless and worthless feelings. It can be a debilitating illness and needs treatment usually with both medication and some form of therapy. The symptoms of fatigue, lack of focus, changes in appetite and thoughts of suicide interfere with everyday functioning.

A person who has suffered from long term depression generally develops their own 'self treatment' options that help them get through their days. Often this might be turning to drugs or alcohol, sometimes it might be cutting or self harm, but it also might be certain social interactions that help a person to feel less isolated and alone.

Isolation from support systems can severely impact the individual suffering from such a disorder and can negatively affect their condition. Reactions can vary from feelings of anger and resentment to self hatred and the loss of a desire to continue living. (if you are having thoughts of suicide please seek immediate assistance either locally or contact the National Suicide Hotline - In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255)

If you have a friend or a family member who is suffering from a mental illness it is important to be informed and supportive if at all possible. First off it is important to recognize and accept that this is an illness like any other. A part of your loved ones body is not well and needs care.

The next step is to educate yourself about the illness. Find out what it is and do the research. Being willing to go the extra mile simply to understand can be beneficial to both you and your loved one. It shows them that you care enough to try and it gives you the necessary information to make informed decisions.

Reach out for support for yourself. If there are support groups for loved ones, join one. If you feel you'd benefit from some sessions with a trained professional, get them. Don't get burned out because this isn't good for either of you. You cannot be a help to your loved one if you have no energy left. One great resource for education and support is The National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Make sure that you allow your loved one some control in their life, in choosing their support system, and in their treatment. People with mental illness often feel they've lost control of their lives or their lives have spiraled out of control. This affects them at many levels but certainly it heavily impacts their self esteem which can be a detriment to them getting better.

When interacting with your loved one, remain calm. Though you are not responsible for another's reactions or illness, your actions can influence your loved one and can impact their symptoms and quality of living. A calm demeanor when interacting with them can do nothing but help. Yelling, getting angry & even crying can create feelings of guilt, frustrations, and anger within any person and to do so with a person suffering from mental illness can cause a setback in positive steps forward that may have been seen. Patience and understanding go a long way here.

Mental illness is not an easy thing to live with for the person who suffers from it or from those loved ones who support them, but it doesn't have to be impossible. Love, understanding, patience, and leaving judgement behind can go a long way to help someone live a happier life.

The mentally ill are first and foremost people. They deserve love, compassion and respect just as any other human being does. They have dreams and hopes just as any other person does. They are no different except in that they are ill and need support and understanding with that aspect of themselves.

Most mental illnesses can be controlled with medication and therapy but as yet their are no 'cures'. However, it is possible to get to a place of living one's life in peace and happiness even with these illnesses and a major component of that is the love, support, and understanding of friends and family.

If you think you may be suffering from a mental illness or if you think a loved one might be, seek out professional help. Don't suffer in silence needlessly. Life is too short to live in pain.