When it comes to psychological disorders, most people think of it as a disease that only happens to other people or a distant topic that does not relate to them or their family and friends.
This is true for them- until they experience mental illness themselves and the agony and trauma that comes with it.
According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) there are over 100 types of mental illness and personality disorders. No wonder that 1 in 4 Lebanese will suffer from a mental illness sometime during his or her lifetime!
So, what can we do about it?
The number of people with mental illnesses is on the rise, that’s why we need to spot on some of the signs so we can either help ourselves or people we care about.
Here are some of the signs to look out for according to the American psychiatric Association:
- Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in others
- Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities.
- Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought.
- Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations.
- Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity
- Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality
- Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care
- Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in feelings
Mental illness does not differentiate between status, ethnicity, color, race and religion. If anything, it should unite us to make us feel our common humanity through our empathy and love.
This is how we spread the love and help in removing the stigma about mental illness.
– Maysaa Al Ajjan
