Mental Disorders Are More Common Than You'd Think!

Mental disorders are common. In fact, statistics show that the likelihood that you will experience some sort of mental illness in your lifetime is over 45%.

Such illness include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many others. Sometimes, it seems that we feel extreme compassion for someone who finds out they have a debilitating physical disease such as cancer, heart failure, diabetes, or stroke, and yet we often misunderstand that mental illness can be just as debilitating, life changing, and out of our control.

The causes of mental illness are complex. They are usually the result of problems in brain functioning, genetic vulnerability, trauma, chronic thinking patterns, or other emotionally difficult experiences. People with mental illnesses cannot just will themselves to get better. Blaming the person or others for the illness is harmful. When others respond with compassion, it can help the person feel more comfortable. When you are diagnosed with a mental illness, it’s easy to wonder if you caused it yourself. Close family members may also blame themselves. No one is immune from mental health problems. It is not a moral weakness or a flaw in your character. Just like a physical illness, people can experience a mental illness anytime. Jeffrey R. Holland said, “These afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor.”

Many people are frightened by mental illness and do not know what to say or how to respond to an individual with such a disorder. It may seem easy to turn away from those who are afflicted and their families, but this only increases their suffering and isolation. Take the time to listen, include them in our activities, be there for them in times of crisis, and treat them as we would want to be treated helps lift their burden and shows our love for them.

There are simple helps that all of us can do for those who are experiencing mental health problems:

• Treat the person with understanding and compassion. Realize that a mental illness cannot be overcome by willpower alone. It does not indicate that a person lacks faith, character, or personal worth.
• Do not take problems that are a result of the illness personally. People with mental illness may feel frustrated and upset because of the illness. 
• Consult with the person, family members, and others who know the person well to identify limitations as well as strengths.    
• Do not argue with delusional ideas or pursue topics that increase agitation. Be aware that stress can make the illness worse.

While it may seem too simple, sometimes words of comfort, support, and love can be life-changing for someone who doesn't feel needed. Sometimes those suffering with depression and suicidal thoughts don’t even need words. They just need someone to sit with them. They need someone to be there for them. They need to feel loved and valued. We all need more words of encouragement and less words of judgment.

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This article is brought to you by Cindy Quinn, LMSW. To learn more about Cindy and our other wonderful counselors, check out the counseling information page on our website HERE.

If you need help or are seeking services, please don't hesitate in contact our office at 208.523.5319 or email questions@rhscares.com.