UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS.
Before discussing the issue of mental ill, perhaps we may want to know what mental illnesses are. A mental illness may be considered as an illness of the mind. People with mental illness may behave strange in ways, or have strange thoughts, in their view or the view of others. Mental illnesses develop during the life of a person. This may be linked to genes and experiences. What is considered to be a mental illness may not be one in a different. With that in mind, we may view mental illness as significant deviation from existing cultural norm set for a given developmental age, and which is troubling to certain segments of a given society.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness health to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental well-being. The WHO defines mental health as, "State of complete physical, mental and social-well being, and not merely the absence of disease." It is related to the promotion of well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.
People with mental illnesses sometimes have problems dealing with other people, or leading what is referred to as a "normal life." Major mental illnesses, which include: major depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder, are the most common disability. According to National Alliance for Mentally Ill in the United States, twenty-three percent of North American adults will have a mental illness in a given year. However, less than half of them will be severe enough to disrupt their normal activities.
There may be a genetic basis which predisposes some people to mental illness. Research tend to suggest that the same set of genetic markers in five different types of illness: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, major depression and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
Mental illnesses can be treated by medication and/or psychotherapy. In so doing, all human rights of person with mental illness are protected by the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
What GaDangmes may want to know about mental illness:
1.These include but not limited to:
Psychosis, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicide, Mental Ilness and Violence, Brain and Mental Illness, Psychosis - general information.
2. Some Useful Information for People with Mental Illness.
These include th following: a) About Mental Illness, b) What professions are involved, c) Signs of mental illness and what should be done, d) How can family and friends help, e) General community support for people with mental illness, f) Psychiatric medication and psychotherapy.
3. What we can learn from the Mentally Ill.
They are as follows: a) Impact of the Mental Illness, b) Account of hallucinations and
delusions, c) Effects of social stigma on the mentall-ill and his/ her family, d) Can the
mentally- ill be treated?
STIGMA AND MYTHS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS.
When we call someone names, or make derogatory remarks meant to humiliate or demean their character, wound hearts, minds and spirits consciously or sub-consciously we are destroy them. Words have power to heal or destroy.
Regrettably, the fact is that who refer to others with mental illness as "crazy", "loony', bonkers, wacko, and the like, are buying onto and perpetuating the devastating stigma attached to mental illness. The repercussions are quite damaging.
What then is the word "STIGMA'? Webster's Dictionary defines stigma as "a mark of disgrace." As friends and families of people with mental illness tend to unnecessarily feel that "mark of disgrace." The Mayo Clinic defines mental illness stigma as "Based on stereotypes, stigma is a negative judgement based on personal trait -- in this case, having a mental health condition."
The questions, therefore, arises as to where stigmas come from. In my opinion, stigmas are born out of stereotypes, ignorance, misconceptions, and fear. The stigma of mental illness can leave one feeling different and alone. GaDangme society and other ethnic groups in Ghana tend put tags or labels on people with mental illness.
Harmful Effects of StigmaWhat are the harmful effects of stigma on mental illness. According to the US Surgeon General Dr. Satcher, "Stigma leads the public to avoid people with mental disorders. It reduces access to resources and leads to low self-esteem, isolation, and hoplessness. It deters the public from seeking and wanting to pay for care. Stigma results in outright discrimination and abuse. More tragically, it deprives people of their dignity and interferes with their full participation in society."
People with more serious mental illness are often ostracized and shunned. They are subject to discrimination in the workplace, obtaining housing and education, and sadly, receive inadequate health insurance coverage for mental health. People with mental illness are sometimes the brunt of jokes and harassment. Many are often touted as the family lunatic. Stigma can often affect families or a person with mental health challenge. The stigma may cause them fear, embarrassment and shame as well, and they sometimes hold back getting care for their loved one.
The disappointing fact for those with mental disorders in Ghana is the fact that the mentally ill in Ghana are still subjected to stigma and ridicule. The successive governments have failed miserably to realize about 2-4 percent of Ghanaian population are very likely to have one form of mental illness or the other, and that the State should take this into account in overall health care planning and delivery in Ghana. Overall, there are indications to suggest that the GaDangme public and Ghanaians, in general, are lacking in education and knowledge about mental illness. Let us now consider some common myths and facts about mental illness.
Some Common Myths and Facts About Mental Illness:
1. Myth: There is no hope for people with mental illness.
Fact: With more treatment services and community support system, people with
mental illness can lead active and productive lives.
2. Myth: I can't do anything for a person with mental illness.
Fact: You can do alot, starting with how you speak and act. You can create and
environment that builds on people's strengths and promotes understanding.
For example, you can avoid labeling, stigmatizing people with mental disorders
and treat them with love and respect.
3. Myth: People with mental illness are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent
than anyone else. People with mental illness are much more likely to be
victims of crime. You probably know someone with a mental illness and you
don't even realize it. I do know some one, for sure.
4. Myth: Mental illness does not affect me.
Fact: Mental illness is surprisingly common, it is likely to affect almost every
GaDangme family and families of other tribes in Ghana. Mental illness does
not discriminate, and it can affect anyone.
5. Myth: Mental illness is the same as developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Fact: These are different conditions. Developmental disabilities are characterized
by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily
living skills. In contrast, people with mental illness have health conditions
that cause changes in a person's thinking, mood, and behaviour. People with
mental illness have varied intellectual functioning just like the general
population.
6. Myth: Mental illness is brought on by a weakness of character.
Fact: Mental illness is a product of the interaction, biological, psychological and
social factors. Social influences such as loss of loved one or a job can also
contribute to the development of various mental health problems.
7. Myth: People with mental health cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: All jobs are stressful to some extent. Any individual can be more productive
when there is good match between the employee's needs and the working
conditions, whether or not the worker has a mental health problem.
8. Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who have recovered tend to be
second-rated workers.
Fact: Employers in the US who have hired people with mental illness report good
attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, job tenure on par
with or greater than other employees.
9. Myth: Once people develop mental illness they will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that most people with mental illness get better, and many recover
completely. Recovery refers to the process in which the mentally ill is able to
live, work, learn, and participates fully in his/her community. For some
individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For
others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms.
10. Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time Why bother when you can just take
a pill.?
Fact: Treatment varies depending on the individual. A lot of people use mental
health therapists, and other related professionals for help, which in most cases
prove beneficial to the patient. Some also resort to self-help strategies and
community supports. Often they combine these with some of the most
advanced medications available.
11. Myth: Children don't experience mental illness. Their actions are just products of
bad parenting.
Fact: A US report showed that in any given year 5-9 percent of children experience
serious emotional disturbances. Just like the adult mental illness, these are
clinically diagnosed health conditions that are a product of interaction of
biological, psychological and social factors.
12. Myth: Children misbehave or fail in school just to get attention.
Fact: Behaviour problems can be symptoms of emotional, behavioural or mental
problems, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children can
succeed in school with appropriate understanding ,attention and mental
health services.
DIAGNOSIS OF MENTAL ILLNESS:
Diagnosis of mental mental illness can be a very complex process that requires the expertise of a duly qualified and certified/registered mental health professional in your jurisdiction. Diagnosis generally getting the client's background information, clinical interviews with the patient or his/her parent and conducting battery of tests, including, personality, emotional and behaviour problem scales, psychopathology scales as well as use of DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) criteria.
Treatment of Mental Health
This may be conducted by a duly qualified and/or certified mental health practitioner, eg. a Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist/Counsellor depending upon the severerity of the problems. Treatment may involve the use of prescription drugs or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In severe cases of mental illness, the patient may be treated in a psychiatric ward in a hospital or a mental health institutions for a period of time. A considerable number of mentally ill patients receive daily doses of replacement therapy and are able to successfully conduct their daily duties and family obligations; and they pose no threat whatsoever to the general public or their families.
Dr. Joseph Nii Abekar Mensah, PhD.
Mental Health & Education Consultant.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental illness health to a broad array of activities directly or indirectly related to the mental well-being. The WHO defines mental health as, "State of complete physical, mental and social-well being, and not merely the absence of disease." It is related to the promotion of well-being, the prevention of mental disorders, and the treatment and rehabilitation of people affected by mental disorders.
People with mental illnesses sometimes have problems dealing with other people, or leading what is referred to as a "normal life." Major mental illnesses, which include: major depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder, are the most common disability. According to National Alliance for Mentally Ill in the United States, twenty-three percent of North American adults will have a mental illness in a given year. However, less than half of them will be severe enough to disrupt their normal activities.
There may be a genetic basis which predisposes some people to mental illness. Research tend to suggest that the same set of genetic markers in five different types of illness: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, major depression and attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
Mental illnesses can be treated by medication and/or psychotherapy. In so doing, all human rights of person with mental illness are protected by the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
What GaDangmes may want to know about mental illness:
1.These include but not limited to:
Psychosis, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, Schizo affective disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Suicide, Mental Ilness and Violence, Brain and Mental Illness, Psychosis - general information.
2. Some Useful Information for People with Mental Illness.
These include th following: a) About Mental Illness, b) What professions are involved, c) Signs of mental illness and what should be done, d) How can family and friends help, e) General community support for people with mental illness, f) Psychiatric medication and psychotherapy.
3. What we can learn from the Mentally Ill.
They are as follows: a) Impact of the Mental Illness, b) Account of hallucinations and
delusions, c) Effects of social stigma on the mentall-ill and his/ her family, d) Can the
mentally- ill be treated?
STIGMA AND MYTHS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS.
When we call someone names, or make derogatory remarks meant to humiliate or demean their character, wound hearts, minds and spirits consciously or sub-consciously we are destroy them. Words have power to heal or destroy.
Regrettably, the fact is that who refer to others with mental illness as "crazy", "loony', bonkers, wacko, and the like, are buying onto and perpetuating the devastating stigma attached to mental illness. The repercussions are quite damaging.
What then is the word "STIGMA'? Webster's Dictionary defines stigma as "a mark of disgrace." As friends and families of people with mental illness tend to unnecessarily feel that "mark of disgrace." The Mayo Clinic defines mental illness stigma as "Based on stereotypes, stigma is a negative judgement based on personal trait -- in this case, having a mental health condition."
The questions, therefore, arises as to where stigmas come from. In my opinion, stigmas are born out of stereotypes, ignorance, misconceptions, and fear. The stigma of mental illness can leave one feeling different and alone. GaDangme society and other ethnic groups in Ghana tend put tags or labels on people with mental illness.
Harmful Effects of StigmaWhat are the harmful effects of stigma on mental illness. According to the US Surgeon General Dr. Satcher, "Stigma leads the public to avoid people with mental disorders. It reduces access to resources and leads to low self-esteem, isolation, and hoplessness. It deters the public from seeking and wanting to pay for care. Stigma results in outright discrimination and abuse. More tragically, it deprives people of their dignity and interferes with their full participation in society."
People with more serious mental illness are often ostracized and shunned. They are subject to discrimination in the workplace, obtaining housing and education, and sadly, receive inadequate health insurance coverage for mental health. People with mental illness are sometimes the brunt of jokes and harassment. Many are often touted as the family lunatic. Stigma can often affect families or a person with mental health challenge. The stigma may cause them fear, embarrassment and shame as well, and they sometimes hold back getting care for their loved one.
The disappointing fact for those with mental disorders in Ghana is the fact that the mentally ill in Ghana are still subjected to stigma and ridicule. The successive governments have failed miserably to realize about 2-4 percent of Ghanaian population are very likely to have one form of mental illness or the other, and that the State should take this into account in overall health care planning and delivery in Ghana. Overall, there are indications to suggest that the GaDangme public and Ghanaians, in general, are lacking in education and knowledge about mental illness. Let us now consider some common myths and facts about mental illness.
Some Common Myths and Facts About Mental Illness:
1. Myth: There is no hope for people with mental illness.
Fact: With more treatment services and community support system, people with
mental illness can lead active and productive lives.
2. Myth: I can't do anything for a person with mental illness.
Fact: You can do alot, starting with how you speak and act. You can create and
environment that builds on people's strengths and promotes understanding.
For example, you can avoid labeling, stigmatizing people with mental disorders
and treat them with love and respect.
3. Myth: People with mental illness are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent
than anyone else. People with mental illness are much more likely to be
victims of crime. You probably know someone with a mental illness and you
don't even realize it. I do know some one, for sure.
4. Myth: Mental illness does not affect me.
Fact: Mental illness is surprisingly common, it is likely to affect almost every
GaDangme family and families of other tribes in Ghana. Mental illness does
not discriminate, and it can affect anyone.
5. Myth: Mental illness is the same as developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Fact: These are different conditions. Developmental disabilities are characterized
by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily
living skills. In contrast, people with mental illness have health conditions
that cause changes in a person's thinking, mood, and behaviour. People with
mental illness have varied intellectual functioning just like the general
population.
6. Myth: Mental illness is brought on by a weakness of character.
Fact: Mental illness is a product of the interaction, biological, psychological and
social factors. Social influences such as loss of loved one or a job can also
contribute to the development of various mental health problems.
7. Myth: People with mental health cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Fact: All jobs are stressful to some extent. Any individual can be more productive
when there is good match between the employee's needs and the working
conditions, whether or not the worker has a mental health problem.
8. Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who have recovered tend to be
second-rated workers.
Fact: Employers in the US who have hired people with mental illness report good
attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, job tenure on par
with or greater than other employees.
9. Myth: Once people develop mental illness they will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that most people with mental illness get better, and many recover
completely. Recovery refers to the process in which the mentally ill is able to
live, work, learn, and participates fully in his/her community. For some
individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For
others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms.
10. Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time Why bother when you can just take
a pill.?
Fact: Treatment varies depending on the individual. A lot of people use mental
health therapists, and other related professionals for help, which in most cases
prove beneficial to the patient. Some also resort to self-help strategies and
community supports. Often they combine these with some of the most
advanced medications available.
11. Myth: Children don't experience mental illness. Their actions are just products of
bad parenting.
Fact: A US report showed that in any given year 5-9 percent of children experience
serious emotional disturbances. Just like the adult mental illness, these are
clinically diagnosed health conditions that are a product of interaction of
biological, psychological and social factors.
12. Myth: Children misbehave or fail in school just to get attention.
Fact: Behaviour problems can be symptoms of emotional, behavioural or mental
problems, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children can
succeed in school with appropriate understanding ,attention and mental
health services.
DIAGNOSIS OF MENTAL ILLNESS:
Diagnosis of mental mental illness can be a very complex process that requires the expertise of a duly qualified and certified/registered mental health professional in your jurisdiction. Diagnosis generally getting the client's background information, clinical interviews with the patient or his/her parent and conducting battery of tests, including, personality, emotional and behaviour problem scales, psychopathology scales as well as use of DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders) criteria.
Treatment of Mental Health
This may be conducted by a duly qualified and/or certified mental health practitioner, eg. a Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist/Counsellor depending upon the severerity of the problems. Treatment may involve the use of prescription drugs or a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In severe cases of mental illness, the patient may be treated in a psychiatric ward in a hospital or a mental health institutions for a period of time. A considerable number of mentally ill patients receive daily doses of replacement therapy and are able to successfully conduct their daily duties and family obligations; and they pose no threat whatsoever to the general public or their families.
Dr. Joseph Nii Abekar Mensah, PhD.
Mental Health & Education Consultant.