Mental Illnesses Are Curable, Don't Worry!
Changes in how we feel, think, or function (or a combination of these) are what we call "mental illnesses." These changes may be related to social, work or family distress and/or problems.
In most cases, people are reluctant to seek help and support because of the unfair stigma surrounding mental illness. They don't seek treatment because they are afraid of what others will think of them. So it is a pity that their condition worsens and sometimes they even take their own life without knowing any other option.
Health professionals, educators, and organizations are taking steps to reduce this stigma by encouraging people to talk about their mental illness and seek appropriate treatment.
Here are some signs that you or a loved one may be suffering from mental illness:
Modern medicine offers us a wide range of treatments for mental illnesses, some of which are listed below:
Psychotherapy or counselling:
It is also known as “talk therapy (talk therapy)”. It is one of the most common treatments for mental illnesses. A mental health professional will talk to you about your mental illness, but also mental health information, stress relief exercises, coping skills and stress management. There are many types of talk therapy – including cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behaviour. Talk therapy often takes place privately between the doctor and the patient, but it can also be done in a group setting or even with your family. Even for people without mental illness, this type of therapy can be useful for getting through challenging life situations (such as bereavement, divorce).
Related Blog: Mental Health - 10 Myths Debunked
Prescribed medication
Psychiatric medications cause changes in brain chemicals involved in emotions and thinking. These medications don't cure mental illness, but they can help improve your symptoms, and can be effective when combined with other treatments, such as counseling. Your doctor will prescribe the medication for you and advise you about any side effects.
Support groups
Self-help and support groups can help you gain insight into your medical condition. Through these groups you can find new friends, support for your condition, resources and life tips. They also help deal with feelings of isolation caused by mental illness.
Other treatments
For mental illnesses, many other forms of therapy, such as exercise or yoga, can also help. These include creative therapies that use creative ways to express your feelings – for example, drawing (art therapy), music (music therapy), movement therapy (movement therapy) or writing (writing therapy).
ECT or other brain stimulation therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe procedure that sends electrical current into the brain. It can cause changes in the brain and improve or reverse your symptoms. Often, ECT and other brain stimulation treatments are used when other types of treatment have failed.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy?
This type of therapy is used to relieve stress. It is an effective remedy for treating trauma, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Hospital or inpatient treatment plan
If your mental illness gets really bad, you may need to stay in a hospital or participate in a long-term treatment program. This treatment can help if you are unable to take care of yourself or if you are at risk of harming yourself or others.
Not all treatments work for everyone, and not everyone needs to undergo all treatments. Some people may benefit from one type of treatment, while others may benefit from a combination of more than one treatment. Your doctor will recommend the right treatment for you.
There's no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed about having a mental illness, so don't hesitate to seek help because there are now many different treatment options available. Being aware of mental illness and learning to cope with it is so important because it can help you cope with your condition, help others around you, and save many lives!