To what extent do you TRULY view mental illnesses as equal, qualitatively, to physical illnesses?

Question

We often say to people, "Don't worry. ADHD is just like diabetes. You'd take medicine for that, wouldn't you?"

But I find, deep down, I have nagging bias against some mental illness..."internalized mental illness-phobia", so to speak. I DON'T blame the person for having it!..but shy away from the idea of the illness, like I'd shy away from someone with a rash.

Do you find that, too?

Answer 1

I truly believe they are the same. No, in fact i think mental illnesses are worse since no one can see the pain your in that's just one of the reasons i cut, not to show anyone but myself the pain I'm in. It's a way of seeing what I'm feeling.

Answer 2

Hi there Embroidery Fan,

Interesting question! But let's get to the heart of the matter.

Interstingly enough, a primary of school of thought is that all non-organic mental disorders (with etiology not as a result of head trauma, stroke or metabolic disturbance) or even narcotic substance are qualitatively not equal to physical illnesses. For the obvious reason that physical illnesses require a pathogen (enzyme, host of some kind eg. mosquito, bacteria, fungus, virus etc.) for its classification as an illness. So qualitatively based on the current classification system used in medicine physical and mental illnesses are not the same. (point re-stated).

So like yourself I agree that a phsical illness is qualitatively different from a mental illness. Nevertheless as unfortunate as it may seem several GP's today often misdiagnose initially a mental 'ilness' as a physical ilness. The reasons for this cannot be covered here quickly)

Now current knowledge is no longer sparse in relation to etiology, diagnosis and prognosis for certainly all major mental disorders. We know that there is a genetic predisposition in terms of a hyper-sensitive nervous system acquired at birth, generally where mental illness presents. We also know that among adults (18 or over) typical mental illness has an onset primarily between ages 18-35, although disorders such as childhood autism, anxiety, depression and ADHD and ADD can and does occur in children. Also known is the fact that one's environment seems to predispose individuals to developing mental illness. Twin-studies suggest a genetic link although a specific gene-mapping for depression, anxiety, personality disorders, ocd, etc., has yet to reinforce the certainty of the genetic hypothesis. Finally we do know that the autonomic nervous system and cetain structures in the brain particualrly deep in the mid-brain eg. amydala, hypocampus, reticular activating system are all involved in coordinating normal perceptions and brain activity and that the relevance of activity within the hind brain structures are also under investigation. The frontal lobe arguments points to this region of the brain as primary in regulating normal neural functioning, circuitry and including the functioning of electro-chemical impulses. The physiology of this does not time permit right now. Look it up in any abnormal psychology, introductry psychology or psychiatric reader. So also a lot is known of the issue of how and why some persons are dependent on meds while others seem not to be in the long-term.

To conclude a better nomenclatures/description/classification may be to view mental illness more of a disorder and physical illnesses as pathogen based. Hope this helps some.

With regards,

Barry H

Answer 3

Sounds like you equate mental illness w/ physical illness, since you refer to avoiding someone w/ a rash as much as you would someone with a mental health disorder. I am a clinical therapist so I would have to agree that physical and mental illness are both real and treatable with medication (well, some mental illnesses are). I do believe some disorders are overdiagnosed, such as ADHD. Maybe some physical illnesses are, as well, and I just don't know about them. Good for you that you've recognized your "phobia" of some ill people. If you ever want to change that, you've already taken the first step!

Answer 4

I think of mental illness just like a physical illness. If someone has a illness that makes them dangerous, I am more cautious around them, physical or mental. However the mentally ill are more likely to be harmed by someone "normal" than the other way around. People, just by being people, are worth love and acceptance.

Answer 5

Of course, it's not the same!! Someone cannot learn behavioral and thinking strategies to combat diabetes. I do think that there definitely is a genetic and physical aspect to mental illnesses, but do I think it's like diabetes? That's sadly laughable.

I think that this idea that mental illness are 100% physical or merely a brain disorder such as epilepsy gives the sufferer an out when it comes to taking responsibility for their illness. Not that it's their fault, but that with the idea it's a physical thing beyond one's control, there need not be work. It's also a trend that works well for drug companies especially antidepressant medications. Instead of going to therapy and working through their problems (with medication as a possible supplement) people simply pop pills and go on their way. Antidepressants are not to be used long term except in rare circumstances. Depression is curable, but no one wants to believe that. It takes work to get better!

This is one of the reasons for such high relapse rates in depression patients who stop taking their medication. Did you know that people who are treated for clinical depression with both medication and therapy or therapy alone have a reduced relapse rate? In therapy one learns how to avoid another episode and to deal with symptoms. People who take medications alone are experiencing a false lift in mood without learning a thing.

I think a better metaphor would be to say that many mental illnesses are like a muscular atrophy, perhaps after a bone break and cast. One may need medications, but one also must to do a lot of rehabilitation to get back to a functioning muscle.

Answer 6

we are phobic about things which we don't understand.

those of us who are mentally ill (including me) have been labelled crazy, or violent, unstable and etc forever! and that's not usually true at all.

people develop phobias about others, but don't take the time or make an effort to educate themselves, so they are as frightening to ME as a mentally ill person is to them!

i have bipolar disorder and PTSD. I have an above-average IQ, i am very creative and a watercolor artist. i worked for attorneys for most of my adult life and raised two wonderful kids. my kids are NORMAL and very sensitive and respectful.... i don't mind tooting my own horn!

i don't think it's abnormal for us to shy away from things we don't understand... believe me, the average person isn't too bright and i usually shy away from most of them...

one thing which has been very important in my life is to expand my knowledge, so if i hear a word i don't understand or about an illness which affects my family or someone else i love, i do the research. i feel that a good, solid knowledge base is very important.

and this gives me an internalized phobia of ignorant people.

Answer 7

You are showing the true bias against people who suffer from mental illness. Many if not all mental illnesses are in no way the fault of the person suffering from them. People are probably more to blame for their heart disease then they are for their mental illness yet we don't think of holding heart disease against people.

It is good that you recognize that you have a bias and I hope you learn to fight against that feeling.

Answer 8

Why? Are you afraid of catching the illness? Or is it really predjudice? Mental illness has been so misunderstood for so very long, that predjudice is a highly plausible explaination. Maybe you need to look very clearly at your "phobia" toward those who are mentally ill.

Answer 9

yes i understand u completely i have mentall illness my whole life and still shy away fom others with it buttttttt......i also hang out with and talk, its weird to know (for me anyways) that other have the same thing as me so i get alittle creeped out,actully its hard to explain for me.but i understand all i could say is treat everyone the way u want to be treated(with respect) and everyone equal and god gives all walks of life to deal with and we need to except it.good luck.oh yeah i would suggest going to a mental health meeting with other with illness or go to a mental health chat and discust this feeling u have.they are very excepting or just confront ur phoibia.