Mental illnesses, also called mental health disorders, refer to a wide range of medical conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). They are usually associated with distress or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity.

Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental causes. They can be caused by biological factors such as genetics/family history, brain injury, chemical imbalances, chronic medical conditions, prenatal exposure to viruses/toxic chemicals/alcohol and drugs, poor diet/nutritional deficiencies. Stressful or major life changing events, abuse, conflicts, financial problems, etc., psychological/social causes may also lead to mental illnesses. It is important to note that mental illnesses are not caused by a person’s weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little.
• Withdrawal from people or usual activities.
• Frequent mood swings or inability to manage emotions.
• Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
• Low or no energy.
• Excessive worrying.
• Irrational fears.
• Prolonged feeling of sadness.
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs.
• Unexplained aches/pains.
• Excessive anger and hostility.
• Violent behavior.

Thoughts of self-harm.

The most important thing you can do, to help a person with stress or psychological struggles is, to sit with them and listen to them without judgment. Invalidating their feelings, labeling them, lecturing/preaching to “motivate” them could be counterproductive. It is best to ask them, what help they need, or whether they want you to accompany them to consult a professional. There is a difference between stress/struggle and a psychiatric illness; and a mental health professional would be able to diagnose and guide a person through it. It is especially important to meet a professional in case of a person suffering through an illness with no insight.

Neurologists and Psychiatrists, both, are medical doctors, who deal with conditions that affect brain and can prescribe medicines. Neurologists are doctors who diagnose and treat the physical aspects and symptoms of the conditions that affect brain, spinal cord and nerves. Psychiatrists treat the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the conditions with pharmacotherapy (medicines), psychotherapy (counseling), non-invasive brain stimulation methods (ECT, TMS, DBS, etc.). Psychologists provide various psychotherapies, and administer and interpret various psychological tests which can assist in diagnosis.

In this information age, a lot of information related to mental illness is available on the internet. While you shouldn’t try to self-diagnose, you can become aware of certain behaviors, emotions or though patterns that are unhealthy or disruptive to your daily life; or there may be some life adjustment phases or difficult transition periods or stress where you have difficulty in coping. In that case, you may choose to see a mental health professional to guide you through them.  If you have any of the following – low or no energy, extreme mood swings, excessive worries, disturbed sleep/eating patterns, inability to manage your anger or stress, it is advisable to see a Psychiatrist. It is also possible that you may be referred by a doctor or a psychologist.

A Psychiatrist assesses a patient through Interview and if required, Psychological tests. You can expect a conversation about your stressors, symptoms and the remedies you have tried so far. Knowing about your medical history and family history of Psychiatric history is helpful. It is advisable to bring old and current prescriptions.

It is important to understand that all mental disorders are biologically based disorders. They cannot simply be overcome by will-power. A mental disorder often results in diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life. In case of mental illness caused by social/psychological disturbances, major life changing/stressful events, conflicts, etc., psychotherapy may be very helpful and important. However, medicines are required, in most cases of psychiatric disorders. Some patients may benefit from brain stimulation methods. Therefore, the treatment needs to be integrative, specific and customized for each individual. Building up effective support systems will help in long term care.

The duration of treatment depends upon a lot of factors, like, the diagnosis, duration of symptoms before starting the treatment, response to medicine, compliance to treatment, relapse, etc. A lot of patients may have to take medicines just for about 6-12 months. So, majority of patients can be off medication after their course, when they are fine. Some may have to take medicines for a considerable period of time and even lifelong. That said, it’s important to understand that the people who need to take medicines lifelong, are not ‘addicted’ to the medicines – just like the people taking medicines for hypertension, diabetes or other hormonal issues. Most of the medicines for mental disorders can be stopped, without patients feeling craving for medicines or withdrawal symptoms. You can ask your doctor if your medicines have dependence potential. No medicine should be taken or stopped without consulting your Psychiatrist.