Running Head: Mental Illness Running Head: Mental Illness

Running Head: Mental Illness Abstract: This paper will cover mental illness. It will show who is affected by mental illness. Mental illness has been look upon differently for years. The first part of the

definition for mental illness is that it is any disease of the mind. This paper will show how anyone can be affect by mental illness and show that it has a global effect. People that suffer from mental illness often feel as if they dont have a way out, however there are many treatments that can help those people. This paper will explore the issues surrounding mental illness as well as treatment plans for ones that are suffering from it.

Running Head: Mental Illness Mental illness is a topic that is becoming more present in the news today. Mental illness is any disease of the mind; the psychological state of someone who has emotional or behavioral problems serious enough to require psychiatric intervention. One in three Americans could be diagnosed with a mental disorder in any given year. The U.S. Census Bureau in 2009 states that there are an estimated 307 million people suffering from mental illness. Of that, 75.5 percent are 18 or

older. The most recent data shows that there is 32.4 percent prevalence rate for any mental or substance disorder (Mental Health Statistics, 2010.) The book called Mental Health and Social Problems said People with mental illnesses face the challenge of managing an illness that at times may significantly impact their functioning and quality of life. They also face stigma and discrimination in multiple life domains that may present important, if not greater, barriers to recovery and full inclusion than the clinical features of the illness itself, (2010, page 21). Mental illness is becoming more of a current social problem. The result of people going untreated with mental illness is becoming headlines in the news. People taking their own lives due to their mental illness is becoming even more popular. When you think of how this topic has been treated historically, one major thing comes to mind, electroshock therapy. Attempts to understand the history of this topic can relate all the way back to 5000 BC, (The History of Mental Illness, 2010). According to the author of The History of Mental Illness, an early man believe that mental illness was a result of a supernatural phenomena like a spiritual or demonic possession, sorcery or even an angry deity, (2010). Depending on where you were from in ancient times is what determined your treatments; many followed the path of exorcisms where as

Running Head: Mental Illness others thought recreational activities would be best. Where as later electroconvulsive therapy became a method of treatment. It was designed to shock the body with electricity. There had been evidence of some abuse from this but it is still used today under significant terms. When electroconvulsive therapy didnt work patients would undergo psychosurgery. Finally psychopharmacology was introduced and has been one of the most successful contributions to mental illness treatments, (The History of Mental Illness, 2010). For years mental illness was attributed to supernatural forces. As time went on new findings of mental illness

began. It moved along from supernatural forces to natural occurrences in the human body. As the years kept going mental illness kept evolving and now we know that mental illnesses are diseases that affect many of us around the world today, (The History of Mental Illness, 2010). So therefore, historically mental illness has been treated negatively and horribly from when it was first recognized as a problem all the way back to 5000 BC. I think that today mental illness is identified completely different than it was back in the day. Back then mental illness was believed to be something demonic and now we know that mental illnesses are diseases. Many people that suffer from mental illness go untreated because of the burden they feel they are placing on others and the cost that can be imposed from the workplace, (Mental Health and Public Policy, 2005). According to author Sara Markowitz, mandated mental health benefits have been put in place to relieve the financial burden that treatment can leave, (2005). Such laws are designed to lower the price of mental health services faced by insured individuals, improve access to treatment, and ultimately to improve mental health outcomes, (Mental Health and

Running Head: Mental Illness Public Policy, 2005). There are other services out there to help people that are

suffering from mental illness such as medication, psychotherapy, group therapy, day treatment or partial hospital treatment, specific therapies such as cognitivebehavior therapy and behavior modification, creative therapies, alternative therapies, and hypnotherapy. Electroconvulsive therapy and Vagus nerve stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy are other therapies that can be used as well. Usually these treatments are used as one or as a combination of them, (Mental Illness Basics, 2012). These mental illness treatments are meant to alleviate the problem. Over time the treatment for mental illness has changed. Before the care was subpar but now we have more advances that can help us treat the mentally ill. According to Allison Foerschner, Perceptions of mental health have changed greatly since the earliest civilizations and will continue to change as more is learned about the minds of humankind. Although significant advances have been made in this field of study that greatly benefit many individuals suffering from psychopathology, there remains much room for improvement, (The History of Mental Illness, 2010). Meaning that even though weve made a lot of advances in treatment we still have much more we can do. Such advances are the different medications and most importantly the group support one will receive from therapy. Only about one third of adults and one half of children receive mental health services in a given year according to Mental Illness: Facts and Numbers,(2008). This is compared to the fact that one in four adults have a disorder and about one in ten children. Showing that too many people who suffer from mental illnesses are not getting treated. According to Stigma and Discrimination, Mental illness often

Running Head: Mental Illness generates misunderstanding, prejudice, confusion and fear. Some people with mental illness report that stigma can at times be worse than the illness itself, (2009). Without the support from others the stigma can make the illness worse.

Many people stop from seeking help for their mental illnesses because of the stigma and discrimination surrounding it. Some people may blame the people for their condition, which implies a flaw in character rather than showing there is a disorder, (Stigma and Discrimination, 2009). Mental illness is not just something that is happening in America, however it is something that is global. In the United Kingdom, mental illness is defined as A mental disorder means any disorder or disability of the mind, (What is Mental,, 2009). According to What is Mental, it is clear that there is a marked circularity to this statement, (2009). In the United Kingdom they set up The National Service Framework for Mental Health in 1999. According to the article The National Policy, Its intention is to set national standards for mental health services based on the best available evidence, supported by new investment of resources and backed by new legislation suited to modern patterns of service delivery, (2005). According the an article called Mental Health, One in four people in the UK has a mental health problem at some point, which can affect their daily life, relationships or physical health, (2005). Every year in the UK, more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people commit suicide. ( Mental Health, 2005). Many treatments in the UK include medication, counseling, psychotherapy and self-help. There are many support groups and charities that offer advice and confidential counseling as well as information about the types of

Running Head: Mental Illness treatments, (Mental Health, 2005). In the UK around 300 people out of every thousand have mental health problems, of those 300 only 230 of them will seek

help, ( How Common, 2012). This shows that the ones that are most effected by this are getting treatment however, there is still not enough seeking help. According to Peter Beresford the author of the article Mental Health Discrimination is coming from the top, not the public 60 percent of people with mental illness says that the stigma and discrimination is just as bad, or worse than the actual symptoms. And one third say that stigma has made them want to give up on life, (Mental Health, 2011). Meaning that the stigma and discrimination has actually made their condition worse. In Australia they define mental illness as a diagnosable illness that significantly interferes with an individuals cognitive emotional or social abilities,(Facts and Stats). The services and policies that are in place in Australia are the National Mental Health Strategy. The strategy aims to promote the mental health of the Australian community and prevent the development of mental disorders. Reduce the impact of Mental disorders on individuals, families and the community, and assure the rights of people with mental disorders, (National Mental Health Policies, 2012). Treatment includes medication, psychological treatment, community mental health services, and public and private health care for people that suffer from mental illness in Australia,( Mental Illness Treatments, 2012). One in five are affected by mental illness in Australia, women are more likely to report their disorders than men., ( Mental Health Stats, 2012).The social stigma that surrounds mental illness in Australia affects the problem by once again being worse than the actual disease. Stigma and discrimination create barriers in other

Running Head: Mental Illness areas including; isolation, seeking help and support, diagnosis and treatment, accessing stable housing, accessing public transport, and employment

opportunities, (Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Illness in Australia, 2010). In our third and last country, Canada defines mental illness as a disease of the mind. Services and Polices that are in place in Canada are the Whos Mental Health Policy Project which is to bring together the latest information on mental health policy and service development together, ( World Health Organization Mental Health Policy Project, 2012). Treatment includes medication, counseling, community support services and education. Because of the stigma many people avoid or delay the treatment, ( Its Your Health, 2006). About one in five Canadians will have mental health issues,( Mental Health Stats, 2012). As you can see there are many similarities and difference between the US and all three of the other countries that surround the problem of mental illness. The publics view is one of the most significant influences that people can have. The media can impact a publics perception on the topic, (Stigma Matters, 2009). We may not like it but what the public thinks and feels about mental illness can drastically affect us. A survey performed in February and March of 2011 showed that 77 percent said that a mental illness is like any other diseases, (Health Information Centre, 2012). The article states more positive and negative effects of the pubic such as 70 percent being comfortable talking to their families and friends about their illness, and only 43 percent are uncomfortable talking to their employer about it. These numbers have gone up since 2009-2010, (Health Information Centre, 2012). As much of good news that is to this topic there is some bad in the survey. 17 percent think

Running Head: Mental Illness

having a mental health facility downgrades the neighborhood, and 16 percent think one of the main causes of mental illness is from lack of self- discipline and will-power, (Health Information Centre, 2012). Even though I could not find much on the perceptions of mental illness and how it influence policy development, Im sure there are goods and bads of both. Mental illness does not discriminate against whom it affects. In my research there was nothing specifically on how the services are distributed but Im going to assume its in a normal fashion. Help is there for anyone who needs it no matter their age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental abilities. My personal beliefs on this topic is strong. I feel as if I can relate to this topic well based off my past. I used to suffer from some depression issues as well as having family members suffer as well. I believe that mental illness needs to be more focused on than it is. I think there is a serious problem here. Mental illnesses can affect anyone at any time in their lives. Research says that mental illness has a few causes like hereditary, biology and psychological trauma, (Mental Health Basics, 2012). I tend to agree. I believe that mental illnesses can be hereditary, if other diseases and cancers or medical conditions can be hereditary why cant mental illness? Mental illnesses are diseases of the mind. I think that biology also plays a role. Science and studies have been proven to show a link between mental illnesses and imbalances of brain chemicals, (Mental Health Basics, 2012). Finally when discussing psychological trauma I think that is a major cause of mental illnesses especially depression. I know that my depression stemmed from a traumatic event when I was a child. I think that the responsibility for help lies within those who know of the persons condition. I believe that if someone is going untreated from

Running Head: Mental Illness 10 mental illnesses and others know they should help the person find relief. There are many programs and solutions out there. I also think that once the person gets to a form of help it is then that person responsibility to try and keep them on track in recovering. Some possible steps to help in improving the situation is reaching a hand out to one who may be in need, give them support and kindness and let them know there is a way to feel better again. I also believe that if more celebrities came out with their mental illnesses other would be more comfortable to do as well. The treatment of this issue is highly related to the work of a social worker. A social worker is normally responsibly for the case of people who suffer from many different mental issues. As a social worker they each have different values of their own they follow and all have ethics they must. One must follow the code of ethics for a social worker. If a social worker decides they can get a degree high enough to work more on a therapy basis in which they will help in the treatment of a person who suffers from mental illnesses. As law, they all need to follow the code of ethics that relates to their field of work. Mental illnesses are diseases that affect ones mind; they can affect anyone at any time in their life. We have looked at how the problem throughout history, looked at the policies and services to address the problem and look at the problem in a global perspective. We have also looked at the impact that media and the public perceptions affect the issues hearing my own personal beliefs. Mental illness may not be preventable but there is help out their for ones that are suffering. Many including the help from a social worker. In Conclusion, mental illness may be a tough

Running Head: Mental Illness 11 battle but there is always someone out their for you and there is treatment. It does get better.

Running Head: Mental Illness 12 References: Baun, K. (2009, February). Stigma Matters: The Medias Impact on Public Perceptions of Mental Illness. Retrieved from http://www.cmhanl.ca/pdf/StigmaMatters%20%20Kismet%20Baun%20article.pdf Better Health Channel (2012, January) Mental Health Treatments Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Mental_illness_tr eatments Beresford, P. ( 2011, November) Mental health discrimination is coming from the top, not the public. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/joepublic/2011/nov/30/mental-healthdiscrimination-campaign Coming out of the Dark ( 2012). Mental Health Stats. Retrieved from http://comingoutofdark.com/stats/ Dennis, L. (2012, February 14). Mental Illness Basics, Medicinenet.com. Retrieved on from http://www.medicinenet.com/mental_illness/article.htm Facts and Stats (2012) Retrieved from http://www.mindframemedia.info/site/index.cfm?display=105553 Foerschner, A. M. (n.d.). The History of Mental Illness: From "Skull Drills" to "Happy Pills" - Student Pulse. Academic Articles. Online Academic Journal - Student Pulse. Retrieved from http://www.studentpulse.com/a?id=283

Running Head: Mental Illness 13 Health Canada, (2006). Its your Health. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hlvs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/mental-eng.php#tr Health Information Centre. (2012). Public more positive on some mental health issues but some less favourable opinions still exist, survey suggests. Retrieved from http://www.ic.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/public-more-positive-on-somemental-health-issues-but-some-less-favourable-opinions-still-exist-surveysuggests Heller, N. R., & Gitterman, A. (2011). Mental health and social problems, a social work perspective. Taylor & Francis. Retrieved on November 20th, 2012 Grohol, J. (2010). Mental Health Statistics. Psych Central. Retrieved on from http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2010/05/03/mental-health-statistics/ Joseph R, Birchwood M. (2005) The national policy reforms for mental health services and the story of early intervention services in the United Kingdom. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2005; 30: 3625. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1197282/ Kokany, A., Platts, J. (2010) National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Froum, Stigma, Discrimination and Mental Illness in Australia. Retreived from http://www.nmhccf.org.au/documents/Final%20version%20Stigma%20&%20Dis crimination.pdf Markowitz, S. (2005). Mental Health and Public Policy, National bureau of economic research. Retrieved from http://www.nber.org/reporter/spring05/markowitz.html

Running Head: Mental Illness 14 Mental Health, (2005) Retrieved from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Mentalhealth/Pages/Introduction-OLD.aspx Mental Health Services in Australia (2012), National Mental Health Policies. Retreived from http://mhsa.aihw.gov.au/national-policies/ Mind for Better Mental Health, ( 2012) How Common are Mental Health Problems? Retrieved from http://www.mind.org.uk/help/research_and_policy/statistics_1_how_common_is_ mental_distress National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2008). Mental Illness: Facts and Numbers, National institute of health. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=About_Mental_Illness&Template=/ ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=53155 Stigma and discrimination. (2009.). Retrieved on from http://www.responseability.org/site/index.cfm?display=134896 What is mental illness, mental health, mental disorder?. (2009.). Retrieved from http://frontierpsychiatrist.co.uk/what-is-mental-illness-mental-health-mental-disorder/ World Health Organization Mental Health Policy Project, (2012) Retrieved from http://www.cmha.ca/public-policy/related-publications/