Mental illness is real, even if some people don't believe it. Just because it cannot be seen and just because one doesn't show physical signs does not mean mental illness isn't a real condition.
People with mental illness are human and are being treated for a real ailment. They are not crazy or making things up. Sure, they may have a hard time describing their condition and many, unless they are self-inducers, show no physical signs of having a problem with their health. But they are indeed suffering from a medical condition.
People with mental illness are treated with medications and occasionally more advanced treatments, just as those with physical illnesses are treated. Some people with high cholesterol may be treated by adjusting their diet or with medications. No one looks at them funny for having high cholesterol. Yet people who look normal but suffer from mental illness may be frowned upon or looked upon as "crazy." They may even be told, "It's all in your head!"
The brain is an organ. People with mental illness have something wrong with one of their organs. No, it cannot be seen on an X-ray, but that doesn't mean they aren't experiencing some difficulties with one of their organs.
A person who has a mental illness has to be diagnosed and treated by doctors via a series of questions. A lot of physical illnesses are diagnosed that way, too, until the doctors dig deep down to the core of the ailment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Before being treated for mental illness, a person must first be told they have a problem. Others may see signs or traits of mental illness and bring it to their attention or to the attention of their family members. Then a doctor can diagnose. From there, the person can start receiving help and treatment and can see a specialist or a psychiatrist to help treat the problem. The same is true with someone who has a physical problem or diagnosis. They can see a specialist, too, for their unique situation.
Some people will seek forms of treatment other than medications. Sometimes medications are not effective alone, even if they remain the most common treatment for any illness. Think about it: What do you usually turn to for a headache?
Sometimes people suffering from mental illnesses seek therapy or counseling as a form of treatment. This is not a waste of time or money; it can lead to benefits not found in medications.
There are many different kinds of mental illness. That means each person suffering is suffering in a unique way. It's the same for those with a physical illness like cancer. Just because you have cancer and I have cancer does not mean our suffering is the same, nor our treatment.
Mental illness can take on many different forms and needs to be treated differently and individually.
Mental illness is a real condition with real diagnoses -- just like physical illness. But people suffering from mental illness too often also are made to suffer a negative stigma from those who frown upon them and don't understand their condition. Mental illness should be something society accepts equally to any physical illness.
Genevieve Teasley of Duluth is a certified nursing assistant at Viewcrest Health Center and a personal care assistant for Heartland PCA. Also, she suffers from bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder and displays traits of schizophrenia.
