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Mental Illness Awareness. By Our July Student Pharmacist, Corin Craigo.

depressed-man

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is a disease that affects someone’s mood, behavior, and how they think. It can wreak havoc on their daily life and also strain their relationships. It is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone at anytime regardless of income, skin color, religious beliefs, or age.

Mental illness is common and occurs in about 1 in 5 adults. Anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction are all examples of different types of mental illness. If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, it’s important to know that you are not alone and help is available!

Symptoms:

Symptoms of mental illness depend on the type of illness, severity of the illness, and other factors. Some examples of symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad
  • Confused thinking/not able to concentrate
  • Extreme changes in mood
  • Excessive fears, worries, or anxieties
  • Excessive anger or violence
  • Withdrawal from friends or normal activities
  • Lack of pleasure from formerly enjoyable hobbies (anhedonia)
  • Unable to cope with daily problems or stress
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Significant tiredness or problems sleeping
  • Drug or alcohol abuse
  • Suicidal thinking

***If you or your loved one is thinking of suicide, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.***

Risk Factors:

There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing a mental illness. Some of these factors include:

  • Family history of mental illness
  • Stressful situations (ex: financial problems, divorce, death of a loved one)
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Chronic medical conditions
  • Traumatic experiences
  • History of abuse or neglect as a child

What can YOU do for a loved one with a mental illness?

Since mental illness is so common, there is a good chance that you may know someone who has one of these conditions. One of the most important things you can do to help your loved one with a mental illness is to be supportive. Understand that mental illness is a real medical condition that is recognizable and treatable. Just because you can’t see the illness, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Actively and openly listen to your loved one. Talk about what they are going through and don’t downplay or disregard their feelings. Reassure your loved one that you are there for support and let them know they can always come to you for help.

You should also look for any behavioral or mood changes and encourage them to see their doctor when needed and to follow their prescribed treatment regimens. Correctly taking their medications is absolutely crucial in helping them to overcome their mental illness. Medications that treat mental illness can often take weeks until your loved one begins to feel a difference. They can also have unwelcome side effects. Inform the doctor or pharmacist about any intolerable side effects, because they can help your loved one find a different treatment regimen that is better tolerated. Encouraging your loved one to take care of themselves is important. Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, exercise, and keeping a regular schedule are all ways to help manage their mental illness in addition to their medications.

Available Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • Services Franklin county and the surrounding areas
  • All support and educational programming is free of charge
  • namifranklincounty.org

Mental Health America

  • Services Franklin county and the surrounding areas
  • Has information regarding various mental illnesses, doctors available for various mental illness, and organizations located in Franklin county
  • mhafc.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

  • Provides general information, treatment resources, and support group information
  • dbsalliance.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Sources

Mayo Clinic

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health America

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