|
|
| |
Mental illness
| |
| |
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.
Dissociative identity disorder.
Mental health - care plans.
Mental health problems - early care helps.
Mental health services - case managers.
Mental illness - family and friends.
Mental illness prevalence.
Mental illness services - residential care.
Mental illness treatments.
Munchausen syndrome.
Obsessive compulsive disorder.
Paranoia.
Psychosis explained.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
|  |
|
| |
This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Department of Health - Victoria's Mental Health Services
|
|
Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
|
•
|
This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
|
|
|
Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: June 2008
Linking to the Better Health Channel
It's easy to link to this page |
Close
If you would like to link to this fact sheet on your website, simply copy the code below and add it to your page:
Mental illness - Better Health Channel
Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include psychotic or changed mood symptoms. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can control their mental illness with medication, counselling or both...
The link should appear like this:
Mental illness - Better Health ChannelMental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may include psychotic or changed mood symptoms. Mental illness can make it difficult for someone to cope with work, relationships and other demands. The relationship between stress and mental illness is complex, but it is known that stress can worsen an episode of mental illness. Most people can control their mental illness with medication, counselling or both...
© State of Victoria. All rights reserved
The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
|
|
|
| |
Site map | Terms and conditions | Privacy | Download help | Accreditation
|
| |
Tell us how to stay the healthiest website in Australia and go in the draw for some great healthy prizes. Take ten minutes to do our online survey and give us your feedback on how we can stay on top as the number one health and medical information website in Australia.
|
