Mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves, and interacts with other people. The term mental disorder is also used to refer to these health problems.
A mental health problem also interferes with how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, but to a lesser extent than a mental illness.
Mental health problems are more common and include the mental ill health that can be experienced temporarily as a reaction to the stresses of life.
Mental health problems are less severe than mental illnesses, but may develop into a mental illness if they are not effectively dealt with.
One in five australian's will experience a mental illness. Though we know that many mental illnesses are caused by a physical dysfunction of the brain, we do not know exactly what triggers this.
Stress may trigger some mental illnesses or may prolong episodes. Stress can also result when a person develops a mental illness.
People who have a mental illness often suffer a great deal. They can be disturbed and frightened by their illness.
Not only do they and their families have to cope with an illness that can radically alter their lives, they often experience rejection and discrimination.
People with mental illness need the same understanding and support given to people with a physical illness. A mental illness is no different – it is not an illness for which anyone should be blamed.
It is rarely possible for someone with a mental illness to make the symptoms go away just by strength of will. To suggest this, is not helpful in any way.
Mental illnesses can be separated into two main categories; psychotic and non-psychotic.