Is Mental illness a myth?

Question

Before answering this question, I would suggest you search the web. See Szasz, it may give you a greater insight.

Answer 1

Ok, I just read through Mr. Szazs's information and, to some extent I agree with him. I have worked in both ends of the medical field. I worked as a case manager many years ago at an out-patient mental health facility and then moved on to a career in Pharmacy. I believe that Psychiatrists and Psychologists could be considered as pseudo-doctors. However, seeing things from the true medical perspective, so-called mental illnesses are real. I don't believe that a person with schizophrenia needs a psychiatrist to tell her to go out and join a socail club at the mental health center (which is the kind of non-sense that they do at those centers), however, without the proper medications, these people, as well as people with anxiety and depression and other so-called mental illnesses would be complete basket cases and not able to function. I think that psychiatrists and/or psychologists are good for someone who has a short-term issue, like a death in the family that's very hard to get over. Everyone needs someone to talk to in times of need, some people would just rather have that person be someone they don't know. However, my hope is that one day all of these conditions that have been labeled as "mental illness" will be treated the same way as heart disease and cancer are treated: with medication!

Answer 2

I have read Szasz, Freud, kiekergaard, and many others over the past 15 years and Mental illness exists as does Cancer and is just as devastating to the sufferer and their families.

Answer 3

Only to Thomas Szasz, who is a bit out dated. Yes, I am quite familiar and even like some of his writings, it is out dated and not based with any up-to-date research.

Answer 4

People suffering from certain mental illness's have different chemicals present in their brain. These cause them to experience different emotions and thoughts than others.

I would say if somebody's brain is made up differently then it is a physical illness as well as a mental illness.

Just because you can't see it does not mean its not there. You can't see osteoporosis, and people consider that a disease....

Answer 5

No, its not a myth. Just talk to people who suffer from some form of mental illness.

Answer 6

Illness is not just something u can see.: a bloody cut in a finger, a broken bone, and so on.
That's why it is so difficult to accept mental illness, and many people is considered fickle, strange, immature before someone realizes they need professional help.

Cheers from Italy.

Answer 7

mental illness is a very true sickness of the mind
it is just coming more into the open about it now = for years people were put away =now they are given meds. and can live a fairly good life

Answer 8

There is a such thing as mental illness...not well, not mentally healthy, just as our bodies can break down, and become physically ill and incapacitated, our brains can become ill also..our minds can be distorted by abuse, extreme cruelty, and cripple us..mentally ill, emotionally ill, yes. it is real and not a myth

Answer 9

No, I think it's a lot like politics. Sometimes, it can be brought on from having worn the wrong shoes -- know what I'm saying? It depends. I think some times it is - then I think sometimes it isn't. Then it is, then it isn't . I just get so confused. I sincerely apologize for my response, which is totally inappropriate. But maybe it isn't.

Answer 10

No it's not a myth. I study psychology. I don't need to search the web to see if it is a myth or not.