Mental health: Frequently asked questions

March 2, 2014 by Gloria Ogunbadejo 

   

 

Gloria Ogunbadejo

I think about ending my life quite often, does this mean I have mental health problems?

Suicidal ideation or thoughts might be a sign of depression and certainly requires a discussion with a doctor or other health professional. At the very least tell a trusted family friend how you are feeling.

Suicide is the result of many complex factors. In young people a huge percentage of suicide victims have at least one major psychiatric disorder, particularly mood disorder

Some important risk factors for suicidal behaviour or suicide itself include the following: Prior suicidal attempt, co-occurring mental and alcohol or drug abuse disorders, family history of suicide, parental psychopathology, hopelessness, impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies, easy access  to lethal methods such as weapons and hard drugs, exposure to the suicide of a family member, friend or other significant person, history of physical /sexual abuse, traumatic parent-child relationships, interpersonal losses.

Family members can learn to be aware of warning signs of suicidal behaviour, but in particular with teenage suicidal behaviour there are particular warning signs to be aware of. These include: a change in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities, drug and alcohol abuse, violent actions and rebellious behaviour, unusual neglect of personal appearance, marked personality change, persistent boredom, decline in quality of academics, loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

The individual would need to display several of these symptoms on an ongoing basis to raise concern.

Can mental illness be avoided?

Most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors. It could be nature or nurture or both, in other words, organic, genetic predisposition’s a result it cannot be prevented.

What is considered a serious mental illness?

Serious mental illnesses include major (clinical) depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder.

What causes a mental illness?

The exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known. However it is becoming clear through ongoing research in the field, that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

The biological factors may include an abnormal balance of special chemicals in the brain called neuron transmitters. These transmitters help nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other. As a result, if these chemicals are not working properly or are out of balance, messages may become mixed or not make it to the brain properly, leading to symptoms of mental illness. Other biological factors that may contribute to mental illnesses include: Genetics (hereditary), Infections, brain defects or injury, prenatal damage.

Psychological factors that may contribute to mental illnesses include: Severe psychological trauma suffered as a child such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse. An important early loss, such as the loss of a parent can be the genesis of mental health problems, also neglect and a poor ability to relate to others.

Environmental factors that may be contributory include: Death or divorce, a dysfunctional family life, living in poverty or squalor, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, loneliness, social or cultural expectations (I think this plays a huge part in mental health problems at home).

Can someone who has had a mental illness ever get better again?

Most people who are correctly diagnosed and appropriately treated tend to respond well and go on to live productive and perfectly normal healthy lives. Many may never even have the same problem again. Some may experience a return of symptoms depending on circumstances in their lives such as unmanageable stress levels. The most important thing is a correct and timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

How common are mental illnesses?

Mental Illnesses are very common. Sadly many people go undiagnosed until the sufferer is in a desperate situation, and some go through life never being diagnosed, but just being identified in the family as being eccentric or the weird one. Medical research in the US suggests that mental illnesses are even more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease (that’s quite staggering, but an indication of its prevalence)

Are antidepressants or anti-psychotic drugs addictive or damaging?

Contrary to popular belief these medications have been proved to be non-addictive and can be life savers. They treat. Underlying conditions reduce suffering and help people get back to their normal selves.

How do I know if I am clinically depressed?

Being clinically depressed or having major depressive episodes requires a person to experience five of the following nine symptoms for at least two weeks in duration, according to the British mental health diagnostic recommendations. The symptoms include depressed or irritable mood, sleep disturbance, lack of interest or pleasure in routine activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decrease in energy, difficulty concentrating or remembering things, appetite disturbance, physical fidgetiness, edginess or tension, thoughts of death or suicide.

Contents in this article are meant for information purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition. Please contact a health professional if you feel you are affected by anything you have read…