Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses. A mental illness can be mild or severe, temporary or prolonged. Most mental illnesses can be treated.
Mental illness can come and go in episodes throughout a person’s life. Some people experience their illness only once and fully recover. For others, it is prolonged and recurs over some time.
Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands.
The symptoms of mental illness
A person with a mental illness can experience changes in the way they think and behave. These changes may happen quickly, or they may be gradual and subtle. It may take time to understand and identify what is happening.
Psychotic symptoms
These symptoms can include:
- Thoughts and feelings that are bizarre or difficult to understand, such as beliefs of persecution or guilt
- Experiencing sensations (sight, sound, smell, taste or touch) that others do not experience
- Unusual behaviours or interests.
Mood symptoms
Some of the symptoms of a changed mood may include:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety or fear
- Inability to sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Increased use of alcohol and other drugs
- Losing interest in things that were once enjoyed
- Periods of increased activity, where things may be started and not finished.
Schizophrenia is not a split personality
Schizophrenia is a psychotic illness that affects a person’s understanding of what is happening in their lives. This can lead to changes in how they think and behave.
Schizophrenia is not a split personality. Some people can experience changes in their moods that cause depression or extreme happiness. Other people experience changes in their behaviour, which are not directly caused by a physical condition. Some people may also become overly concerned about their own safety or the safety of a loved one, and may behave in different ways in trying to deal with this.
Exact causes are unknown
Many mental illnesses are caused by a physical problem in the brain. What triggers the illness is not known.
The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness.
Compassion and understanding helps recovery
People may react with embarrassment, rejection and abuse if they do not understand unusual behaviour. Such reactions can be a big hurdle for people with a mental illness who are trying to get well.
A person with a mental illness often faces isolation and discrimination from family, friends, employers and neighbours. These attitudes can make people hide their illness and feel ashamed.
Family, friends, colleagues and other people can make a huge difference to a person’s recovery with understanding and compassion.
Type of help available
Different mental illnesses need different treatments. Most people can control their mental illness with medication, counselling or both, and so live rewarding lives.
Where to get help
- Your local doctor
- Local community mental health service
- SANE Helpline Tel. 1800 187 263
- AREFEMI (Association of Relatives and Friends of the Emotionally and Mentally Ill) Tel. (03) 9889 1777
- Mental Health Foundation Australia (Victoria) Tel. (03) 9427 0406
Things to remember
- One in five adults will experience a mental illness at least once in their lives.
- Most mental illnesses can be treated.
- Compassion and understanding can help a person in their recovery.
You might also be interested in:
Bipolar disorder.
Body dysmorphic disorder.
Cognitive behaviour therapy.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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