Here are some of the facts of mental health/illness:
Mental disorders are legitimate medical illnesses with biological causes
Research shows that there are genetic and physical causes for psychiatric disorders. This biological susceptibility, combined with risk factors such as trauma and excessive stress, can lead to mental illnesses like major depression; schizophrenia; bipolar, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Given proper support, people who suffer from mental illness can lead fulfilling lives
Not all mental illnesses are the same in severity and length of illness. Some are very mild (like mild depression or anxiety after a traumatic event) and sufferers do often resume their daily functioning, with appropriate attention. Some mental disorders, however, may be more serious.
Yet even while patients with more serious mental illness may have a distorted perception of their actual life situation and behave abnormally during the acute phase of their illness, there are few who remain chronically ill and disabled throughout their lives.
Given the proper treatment and support from caring people around them, many sufferers can go into remission, leaving them with minimal impairment. Many even go on to gain self-management and lead meaningful productive lives.
Recovery requires determination and support
However it must be acknowledged that recovery seldom involves a simple "quick fix" and requires patience, commitment and strength of purpose.
People with mental disorders are not necessarily violent
Contrary to what is often depicted in the movies, statistics show that the incidence of violence in people with psychiatric disorders is not much higher than that of the general population. Sufferers are more often frightened and confused than violent.
However violence may occur if the person is suffering in the acute stages of paranoia and think that people are trying to harm them in some way. In such situations calm caution, and not fear, is advised.
Seeking help and treatment is a sign of mental health
This is because it takes awareness, strength of mind and courage to recognise that one has a problem and then seek treatment. Unfortunately, many people wait until they are pretty desperate before seeing a professional. They then wish they had done so sooner and saved themselves added pain and suffering.
The brave and pro-active seek treatment before this and participate actively in dealing with their illness.
Mental illness is found across all social and academic boundaries
Research has shown little evidence linking mental illness to academic or social class. However sufferers who eschew treatment may find it difficult to cope with the demands of daily living and hence may not function effectively in their studies and/or work life.
Records are confidential
Many people are fearful that seeking help would lead to a stain on their academic record or employers finding out about their condition and hence shunning them. Fortunately, this is no longer true. We live in a more enlightened age which sees mental illness for what it is - an illness that can be treated.
It is also important to note that medical records are seen only by authorized mental health practitioners within the framework of providing effective treatment.
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