Rishit Gehani

A mental illness is a health issue. It can affect your thoughts, mood, or behaviour. It can impact the way you perceive the world around you.

A mental illness can cause distress. It may affect how you cope at work, how you function in relationships and your ability to manage everyday tasks.

Mental illnesses can last for a short time or for your whole life. Some mild mental illness lasts only a few weeks. Sometimes severe illnesses can be life-long and cause serious disability.

Each year, about 1 in every 5 Australians will experience a mental illness. Almost half the population has experienced a mental health disorder at some time in their life.

There are many different types of mental illness. Some of the main groups of mental health disorders are:

Each type of mental illness has a different set of symptoms. For example, extreme dieting may be a sign that someone has an eating disorder. Hearing voices could be a sign of psychosis. An ongoing feeling of hopelessness after childbirth could be a sign of postnatal depression. People with depression can have a lasting sadness or low mood. People with anxiety often have excessive worry or fears. Sometimes feelings of anxiety happen without any apparent reason.

Drastic changes in a person’s thoughts, moods or behaviour can be a sign they have a mental illness. Changes can be sudden or come on gradually over a long period. A person who usually copes well with life may start to have trouble doing their normal activities. These changes can cause them, or their loved ones, distress. These signs could indicate a mental illness.

Here are some signs of mental illness to look out for:

The symptoms of mental illness can come and go throughout a person’s life.

Researchers are still trying to understand what causes mental illness. There is not simply one cause, and often it is a complex mix of factors. These can include genetics and aspects of social learning, such as how you grew up.

It can also be impacted by how your brain works and the interplay with your environment. Your social group, your culture and life experience can also play a part in the development of a mental illness.

Some examples of these factors include:

Seeing your doctor is the first step to getting treated and returning to good mental health.

If you’re concerned that you might be experiencing a mental illness, book an appointment with a doctor today.

Mental illness can be diagnosed by talking to your doctor in detail about your symptoms.

It may be helpful to bring along a family member or carer when you see your doctor.

Your doctor will ask questions about your thoughts and mood. They will also ask about your behaviours and if anything is worrying you. Some experiences can increase the chance of developing a mental illness.

There are generally no blood tests or brain scans that can confirm a mental illness. But your doctor may suggest getting these tests done, as the results can help rule out other causes for your symptoms.

The symptoms of different mental illnesses are described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual is used by doctors to help diagnose mental illnesses.

Your doctor may refer you to:

Mental illness is treatable. Most people with mental illness recover and live productive and happy lives.

Treatment is different for each type of mental illness. It can vary according to the individual and how serious the symptoms are. It can also depend on your past history of illness. The main types of treatment include the following.

There are many different types of psychotherapy. Some examples are:

Other therapies are group, couple and family therapy.

Medicines can be used in the treatment of mental illness.

Complementary therapies for mental illness can include:

Community programs can help with practical aspects of life such as employment, education and training, and accommodation. They can be helpful for people with mental illness that is long-term.

Sometimes mental illness is severe, with a risk of suicide. In these cases, treatment may involve hospital assessment and maybe admission.

Good mental health can be boosted by positive things in life such as:

Mental illness can attract stigma and discrimination. These are 2 of the biggest problems for people with mental health issues.

Up to 1 in 12 people with mental illness have felt suicidal.

A good first step is to talk to people you trust. You could talk to partner, friend or colleague.

You can also seek professional support. Your doctor, a psychologist or a counsellor are also able to help you. They are health professionals who are trained to help people going through mental health difficulties.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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