The Mental System:
Psychiatrists are doctors who prescribe medicine for the brain and mind. The mind is associated with the personality, behaviour and feelings rather than the normal everyday physical functions of the human body of which the brain controls. Psychology is the therapy for understanding and treating people with mental illness. Psychologists look at a spoken therapy way of sorting out the neurosis or psychosis and try to sort out the problem behind the illness.
Most people feel the pinch of lifes reality check sometime in our life-by mental symptoms which may be considered abnormal or distressing. This does nt necessarily mean that we are ill. A doctor makes a diagnosis on the combonation and severity of the symptoms shown.
In mental illness a sudden or slowly rising abnormal behaviour may indicate something needs to change in yours or their life.. During childhood (and adulthood)we learn to fit in either with peer pressure decided by the society we live. Being physically and mentally fit gives you more of an edge over your competition, but for those whos circumstances are different this may be difficult. Each individual has his pattern of behaviour and it is when this pattern changes so drastically that the sufferer finds it difficult to take his place in society that he may need medical help.
The mentally ill are too often rejected by the communities in which they live. Because we often do not understand mental illness, we fear it. It is difficult to treat mental illness the same way as physical illness but manic depression is no fault of the sufferer than a paper cut or a broken leg. The patient needs help, sympathy and understanding from his family and friends.
High risk groups
Some people appear to be vulnerable to mental illness because of their heredity, background or surroundings. Large low income families, unemployment, lack of a close friend or confidante, single parent famiies, prolonged serious illness an alcoholism are just some of the factors that seem to play a part in mental illness. Extreme stress, loneliness or times of marked change of lifestyle such as marriage or retirement may also contribute to mental illness.
Symptoms of mental disorder
Patterns of abnormal behaviour, such as apathy or irritability are usually identified by these symptoms:
Short term or prolonged aggressive behaviour:
Suicide (attempted) or Parasuicide (false attempted suicide)
Aggresiveness or anger are normal adult reactions to any situations of insecurity, fear or worry, however abnormal aggresion and sudden mood swings may be a sign of disorder.
Common Causes: Excess of alcohol, extreme fear or anger. Anxiety living alone for long periods. Post concussional stress syndrome, hypomania, schizophrenia, brain tumour, unbalanced diet and general stress.
Emergencies
In cases of self harm or violent threats to other people should the authorities be called to have compulsory admittance into hospital.
How to prevent mental problems
- Healthy tasty food and drink,
- Exercise, walking, running and swimming,
- Hobbys to counter boredom and loneliness,
- Try to sort problems out as soon as possible when they appear or appeal for help off a friend or reletive,
- Regular weekend holidays and leisure time,
- Healthy sleeping patterns and moderation.
- Watch A Football Match or Other Sport