IN
A NUTSHELL
When you are physically ill, you usually notice
it relatively quickly. This is more difficult with mental illnesses such as
depression, schizophrenia, or burnout. But what does the word “psyche” actually
mean? Translated, it means nothing else than "soul" or
"spirit". The term also summarizes everything that psychology (the study
of behavior) and psychiatry (medical specialty, responsible for mental
illnesses) deal with. In people who have a mental illness, the way they think,
feel, act, and perceive changes.
Mental illnesses are often taboo in our
society: Nobody likes to talk about them, and those affected are ashamed. A
mental illness is like any other illness: anyone who breaks an arm is usually
given a cast, maybe goes to physiotherapy, and gradually rebuilds the muscles.
It's the same with a mental illness: You get therapeutic help or talk to other
affected people in a self-help group about your problems. Medicines are often
used so that those affected can lead a normal everyday life.
When
is one considered mentally ill?
The term disease is defined in medicine but
difficult to assess. To what extent you are sick, and how much is mainly
determined by your personally experienced suffering.
At a time like this, it is not always easy to
be mentally stable. Almost any mood swings or depressive phases after which one
then continues to live psychologically stable. For example, if you grieve and
find support again, this is no longer a problem but quite normal.
A contrast must be created between the duration
of time and the interval of time when you go through periods of depression,
rage, anxiety, uncertainty, or paranoia. We suggest you visit a psychotherapist
if you persist for a long period or keep repeating. You should speak to you
about your issues and make a diagnosis if necessary. We suggest getting support,
particularly if you feel like you lost yourself and can no longer walk your
happy route.
CAUSES
OF MENTAL ILLNESS
The triggers of mental disorders rely on the
person. Different variables may be merged, and in turn, are pronounced
differently. The consequence of mental disorder is an interplay between
personal insecurity and the world in which you grew up. The following may
contribute to mental illness:
Traumatic
events
In psychology, an emotional injury is an
emotional trauma, which can be of varying severity or depth. Trauma is a state
of intense helplessness that is beyond one's ability to cope with.
Some examples of this are war, natural
disasters, displacement, rape, assaults, serious accidents, loss of loved ones,
long-term manipulation, life-threatening illnesses, emotional abuse, too little
love and affirmation in childhood, divorce, too high demands and expectations,
Bullying, bad grades, a very embarrassing event, etc.
Low
confidence
All of the preceding examples shape our
personality very strongly and can have a negative effect on our
self-confidence. If stress factors are added to vulnerability, mental illness
can develop.
Drug-related
illness
Substance abuse is a common trigger or
intensifier of mental illness. You lose yourself in dream worlds, sometimes far
from reality. Paranoia and delusions can arise, which, in the worst case, can
become chronic.
Hereditary
conditions
If a close relative is mentally ill, this can
also be inherited but does not have to be. The risk is slightly higher than
that of people with healthy families. But even these people can very well get
mentally ill.
High
sensitivity
First of all, it must be said that high
sensitivity is not a disease. Around 20% of all people are considered to be
hypersensitive. Hypersensitive people perceive sounds, colors, and feelings
much more than normal people. Because they perceive their senses so strongly,
they are exposed to a higher risk of becoming mentally ill. Often, however,
such people are very relieved when they find out that they are much more
sensitive than other people and then learn to deal with it better. Among other
things, because highly sensitive people are given great empathy and creativity.
Some researchers also see a positive connection between high sensitivity and
giftedness.
Too
high expectations
According to our system, people should, above
all, function, work, and adapt, not live freely and happily. The ideal and the
perfectionism of society and parents, acquaintances, and friends can lead to
high expectations that you can never meet. Insensitive or highly motivated
people, this inevitably gnaws at their satisfaction and makes them depressed.
It is, therefore, important to know your own goals and expectations and to act
on them. Instead of living life, you want to be told.
In addition to these causes, there are other
possible causes such as hormonal disorders during pregnancy or puberty,
neurotransmitter disorders (when the nerves no longer transmit the messenger
substances correctly), or diseases caused by taking medication.
TREATMENT
AND PREVENTION
Many mental illnesses are now easily treatable
and affect many people only once in a lifetime. Many mental health clinics also
provide Telehealth psychiatry services to
provide online therapy.
Different therapeutic strategies are available
based on the nature of the disorder. In general psychiatric treatment and
medicine are prescribed. They are also successful ways to enhance your
wellbeing. However, you must figure out what approaches are acceptable for
yourself and which support your rehabilitation.
In the worst case, due to one's level of
suffering or the level of suffering of the environment, the patient is admitted
to a psychiatric hospital. In psychiatric hospitals, symptoms are first treated
with medication. Psychotherapy or personality-enhancing therapies are urgently
needed but are still the exception.
Here's
how you can prevent mental illness:
·
Psychoeducation
or research on mental illnesses and mental health, for example, with self-help
books.
·
Self-help
through self-discovery and a strong will. So by recognizing or formulating your
goals, strengths, and weaknesses.
·
Physical
activity has a positive effect on our psyche through the release of happiness
hormones. Exercise also contributes to a healthy body and lifestyle. Yoga and
asanas are particularly effective because they combine the body and mind. If
the body is healthy, our psyche also feels healthier. The reverse is also true.
·
To
be sober. The more drugs you use, the more susceptible you are to mental
illness. That means - the fewer drugs you take, the faster your psyche will
recover and focus on reality. Your body will be grateful to you too.
·
A
healthy diet also has a positive effect on your psyche. If you are unsure about
this topic, you can also contact a doctor or nutritionist.
·
Meditation
If you suspect that you or someone you know may
have a mental illness, you can do the following:
·
Psychological
counseling and psychotherapy or request help from a trained specialist.
Naturopaths such as mental trainers, kinesiologists, or similar specialists can
also help you. Note, however, that you should find the sessions with the expert
to be pleasant. If not, we recommend looking for someone else. You can find a
list of contact persons here.
·
Healthcare
professionals can prescribe drugs or psychotropic drugs to relieve symptoms.
·
Homeopathy
can also be a proven remedy.
·
Develop
coping strategies: early detection of symptoms, dealing with the new crisis,
contacting a specialist early on
·
Self-help
groups can be very helpful because you get to know other perspectives and learn
to speak openly and honestly about your illness. A list of self-help groups in
Liechtenstein is available here.
·
Specific
coming to terms with the past with specialists' help: forgiveness ceremonies,
meditations, hypnosis, etc. Often, depression and other mental illnesses are
trauma or mental injury in childhood or later in life.
·
With
the help of psychosocial advice from social workers: Look at the entire life
situation of the person concerned: daily routine, work situation (possibly
finding a suitable job, legal pages, compatibility with the personal situation,
etc.), financial situation (health insurance, pension fund, IV, etc.), the
family situation.
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