Mental Illness

970 million people around the world struggle with some mental illness or drug abuse. 1 in 4 people will be affected by a mental illness at some point in their lives. 14.3% of deaths worldwide or approximately 8 million deaths each year are attributable to mental disorders.

Mental illness are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior or a combination. It can be associated with distress or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

Bipolar disorder- associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows and manic highs.

Post traumatic stress disorder in which a person has difficulty after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

Causes of mental illness

*childhood abuse trauma or neglect

*social isolation or loneliness

*experiencing discrimination and stigma including racisms

*social disadvantage poverty or debt

*bereavement( losing someone that is close to you

*severe or long term stress

*having a long term physical health condition

5 warning signs of mental illness

* changes in personality

*changes in emotion

*isolation

*sudden absence of self-care

*sense of hopelessness are feeling overwhelmed

*suicide

Warning signs in adults or adolescents

*excessive worrying or fear

*feeling excessively sad or low

*confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning

*extreme mood changes including uncontrollable highs or feelings of euphoria

*prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger

*avoiding friends and social activities

Supporting family members with serious mental illness

Serious mental illness can include a variety of diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive- compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. Learn how to help them through although they can be scary.

It is important to remember that theses disorders are treatable individuals diagnosed with these diseases can live full rewarding lives. especially if they seek treatment as needed.

Being diagnosed with a severe mental illness can be a shock to both them and his or her family members and friends. on the other hand finally obtaining a diagnosis and treatment plan can sometimes help relive stress in the family and start moving recovery forward.

Family mebers can be invaluable resource for individuals dealing with serious mental illness. By learning more about the illness you can support your loved one through diagnosis and beyond. When you see signs encourage them to seek help

*social withdrawal

*difficulty functioning at school or work

*problems with memory and thinking

*feeling disconnected from reality

*changes in sleeping, eating and hygiene habits

*alcohol or drug abuse

*extreme mood change

*thoughts of suicide

How do you get someone mental help when they refuse

When a person refuses mental health treatment, it is important to listen, express your concerns and ask them how you can help. If a person shows signs of mental health emergency, then you should take action right away by contacting 911 or your local crisis response team. There are some cases where a person might be mandated to get mental health treatment. But most of the time, you can't force someone to get help when they don't want it.

Many people with mental health concerns are motivated to get help. But, some people with mental health conditions may refuse treatment. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as :

* being afraid of stigma

*Not realizing how serious their symptoms really are

*Not knowing how to navigate the health care system

* Not knowing what mental health is and how it can help

*lacking the finical resources to afford care

* Not being able to find the right specialty are culturally appropriate care

When talking to someone with a mental illness who doesn't want help, it is important to treat the person with kindness and respect Remember that they are dealing with a mental health condition and may have valid concerns about getting treatment. Avoid blaming or shaming them, instead keep the following five tips in mind.

Explain where your coming from

Listen to them when they talk

Ask how you can help them

Give out options if available

Remain open minded

Speaking as someone who suffers with mental illness it is not easy coming forward admitting that you have a problem. So please keep that in mind until we meet next time love and help one another and stay positive and blessed.

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