Mental Illness: What is it? Do I have it? How do I get help?
According to a technical report published by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in December 2017, 29.2% of adults (16 and above) and 12.1% of children in Malaysia suffer from mental health issues.[i] This is possibly the second biggest health problem affecting Malaysians after heart disease. The numbers are likely to have increased in the past two years due to the additional health, mental and financial stress caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
There’s still a strong stigma towards mental illness despite the increased awareness and there are many people who still believe that mental illness is no more than someone who is constantly sad for themselves, is ‘crazy’, or has been ‘possessed’ by dark mystic forces. This prevents those with mental illness from getting the right care, treatment, or any help altogether.
But what is mental illness exactly? How would you know if you have it? And if you think you or someone you know has it, what can you do about it?
What is mental illness?
It is important to note that mental health and mental illness are not the same thing, but they can overlap.
Mental health refers to one’s ability to think, feel and behave in their daily lives.[ii]
Good mental health is linked to a person’s ability to manage, appreciate and enjoy their lives in a positive, productive and balanced way. People with good mental health are not free from stress. Instead, they have the ability to cope with stress and other challenges that come their way.
A person with poor mental health, on the other hand, may find themselves unable to deal with stress, illness and other problems. Continuous unchecked poor mental health can, but may not necessarily, lead to mental illness. Conversely, having a mental illness can also affect one’s mental health.
Mental illness, also known as a mental disorder, is a health condition that affects and can cause changes in a person’s ability to think, feel and behave. People with mental illness find it difficult to cope with ordinary tasks, may be unable to interact with others, and are affected by changes in their mood and behaviour. Mental illness can affect anyone’s emotional health of any age, and disorders can range from mild to extremely severe– requiring hospitalisation and medical attention. It is absolutely possible for an unchecked and untreated mental illness to escalate, which is why getting help as early as possible is always recommended.
Types of mental illness
According to Mental Health America, there are over 200 classified forms of mental illnesses.[i] Some of the most common disorders are:
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Anxiety
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Paranoia
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Schizophrenia
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Eating disorders
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Insomnia
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Bipolar disorder
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder
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Post-traumatic stress disorder
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Depression, and
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Phobia.[ii]
The severity of mental illnesses varies from person to person, and so do the symptoms. Often it may be hard to tell that someone is suffering from a mental illness as they may not often exhibit obvious signs of this condition.
Mental illness can be caused by several factors including:
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Adverse life experiences in childhood such as trauma or abuse.
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On-going and prolonged chronic medical illness.
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Substance abuse.
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Genetic factors or chemical imbalances in the brain.
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Brain damage, infection or physical defects.
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Loneliness, isolation and lack of social exposure.[iii]
Diagnosing a mental illness
Diagnosing a mental illness requires professional expertise from a mental health professional. Just as there are several different disorders, there are many different warning signs. However, mental illness rarely develops overnight, and if you feel you or someone you love has a mental illness, here are some common signs to look out for:
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Mood swings, especially dramatic or rapid changes in mood and emotions.
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A drop in functioning and loss of interest in school, work, home and social activities.
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Dramatic sleep and appetite changes, and a lack of personal care.
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An inability to concentrate, problems with memory, hallucinations, and illogical thought or speech patterns.
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Increased sensitivity towards sights, sounds, touch and smell.
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A feeling of fear or suspiciousness towards others.
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A sense of feeling disconnected from one’s self or surroundings.
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Unusual and uncharacteristic behaviour.
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Substance abuse, self-harming or an expression of interest towards self-harming.[vi]
Experiencing one or two of these signs is not a confirmed diagnosis of mental illness, although, it may require further evaluation by a trained medical professional. But if you or someone you know are experiencing several of the symptoms above, consulting a mental health professional is strongly recommended. Anyone expressing suicidal thoughts and intent must seek immediate attention.[iv]
Getting help for mental illness
If you feel you may have a mental illness that is affecting your emotional health, this simple acknowledgment is the first step towards your recovery. The Malaysian Psychiatric Association recommends asking yourself this question: “Are my problems and symptoms getting in the way of my life?”.[v]
If the answer is “Yes”, it’s time to seek help from a mental health professional. They are the best people to determine how serious your illness is and, if necessary, put you on the right path and treatment towards your recovery.
If someone you know has a mental illness, your support, patience and understanding is key. You shouldn’t force them to talk, instead, let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready. Educate yourself about their condition – knowing the signs and symptoms will not only help you understand why they behave a specific way but can also let you help them effectively. Be an advocate for their treatment – help them set their first appointment and accompany them if necessary, especially if there is uncertainty. Your presence there will let them know that you care about their well-being which is an important step in dealing with any mental condition.
Helping someone who doesn’t believe they have a mental illness can be tricky. Instead of delivering your diagnosis to them, try asking how they are doing and express your concern. Offer them your help – many feel ashamed to acknowledge they have issues they cannot deal with. This simple gesture helps to remind them they have someone on their side and that everyone needs a little help every now and again.
It is also important to remember that someone who doesn’t acknowledge they have a mental illness may not necessarily be in denial. Anosognosia is a condition where someone who is unaware of their own mental health condition is unable to acknowledge it.[vii] In this instance, be patient and offer them your emotional support. If possible, provide them with resources where they can get help whenever they are ready.
Mental illness can affect your physical health. Early diagnosis and treatment can help most people lead normal, productive and healthy lives. It is important to seek help from licensed mental health professionals and below is a list of mental health resources:
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Your local hospital. Many have a psychology or psychiatric department you can speak to.
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Private psychology, psychiatric and counseling services.
Some of the resources above even provide free or affordable counselling if you are worried about the cost of seeking treatment.
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[i] “Malaysian Mental Healthcare Performance Technical Report 2016” by Ministry of Health Malaysia, December 2017, https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/Mental%20Healthcare%20Performance%20Report%202016.pdf
[ii] “What is mental health?” by Adam Felman in Medical News Today, 13 April 2020, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154543
[iii] “Mental Illness And The Family: Recognizing Warning Signs And How To Cope” by Mental Health America, https://www.mhanational.org/recognizing-warning-signs
[iv] “10 most common psychological disorders” by You Jing Ng in Free Malaysia Today, 5 August 2020, https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2020/08/05/10-most-common-psychological-disorders/
[v] “Mental Health Handbook” by Malaysian Psychiatric Association, https://www.myhealthmylife.com.my/sites/default/files/2019-12/Mental_Health_Booklet_181119.pdf
[vi] “Warning Signs of Mental Illness” by Ranna Parekh M.D., M.P.H., July 2018, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/warning-signs-of-mental-illness
[vii] “Annosognosia” by National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Anosognosia