Mental Health Disabilities
The term Mental Health Disabilities covers a wide range of conditions from mild depression to acute schizophrenia. It is estimated that in any one year, one in four of the adult population will experience some sort of mental health problem. Such statistics usually refer to data from the UK or America. In Ireland there is only limited research in this area.
In recent decades there has been a significant shift in mental health policy in Ireland and in 2006 the Mental Health Expert Group published ‘Vision for Change’. This is the roadmap for mental health services in Ireland for the next ten years. It very much endorses the ‘Recovery Model’ which places each unique individual at the heart of his or her own recovery process.
The change in policy from institutionalisation to community integration, which is also endorsed in this document, has not been backed by adequate funding. However the reality is that more and more people with mental health difficulties are looking for work, conscious that it is a crucial ingredient in their recovery process.
Supported Employment will play a very significant role in the recovery journey of thousands of people over the coming years. Therefore comprehensive mental health awareness training will be paramount. This article is deliberately general in its approach to this topic.
The effects of mental distress can vary depending on the individual and the particular mental disorder. It can be difficult to pinpoint specific symptoms, depending on the individual and the condition but symptoms can include uncharacteristic behaviour, becoming withdrawn, hearing voices, becoming paranoid, becoming emotional for no apparent reason, sudden mood changes, anxiety, disrupted sleeping/eating patterns, attention seeking behaviour, inability to concentrate, difficulty socialising or venturing into public places. Having one or more of these symptoms is not conclusive proof of a mental health problem. A diagnosis is the remit of a mental health professional or GP.
Mental Health problems are generally treated with drugs. Medication is shown to be quite effective. For instance between 68-72% of patients report an improvement in mood after their first anti-depressants. However there has been limited research funded for alternative approaches. In recent years Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has been shown to be particularly effective for depression, and models for other forms of mental health disorders have been developed.
In the UK the National Institute of Clinical Excellence has recommended to GPs that for cases of mild depression CBT should be prescribed before medication. Impressive results have been established throughout the world with regard to its effectiveness. It links thoughts with feelings and behaviour. Sadly in Ireland therapists are scarce on the ground and many thousands of people suffering from mental health difficulties remain dependent solely on a medical intervention.
Research has established that access to real and meaningful paid employment is essential for recovery. An individualised, staggered and supported employment facility with sensitive and life-long support for each person (if necessary) is shown to be the best approach. Usually it is the symptoms of a specific mental health disorder that eventually bring the patient to the GP. In circumstances where the condition is more complex or non-responsive to initial medication the individual may be referred to a psychiatrist.
Mental Illness
Mental Illness is a disorder that affects feelings and
behavior. Few mental illnesses can be prevented; nearly
all can be successfully managed and treated. 25% of all
people develop mental or behavioral disorders at some
Stage in life. The causes of mental illness are complex and
influenced by a person’s heredity (genes), stressful life
experiences, difficult family background, physical illnesses,
etc. People with mental health problems often have
difficulties in coping with the pressures of daily life
The most common mental illnesses are the following:
- Depression – characterized by sadness, decreased
energy, loss of interests, sleep and appetite
disturbance, feelings of guilt and hopelessness.
Suicide remains one of the common outcomes of depression. - Schizophrenia is a disorder that is characterized by profound disruptions in thinking, affecting language, perception, including psychotic experiences. It can cause hallucinations, fear and bewilderment.
- Anxiety disorders – include phobic, panic and general anxiety (such as worry, tension, over-breathing) which can cause significant distress and disability. Because of the complex causes, a diversified and combined treatment is often proposed, such as medication, psychotherapy, family therapy, etc. Treatment takes place in different settings: psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric wards in general hospitals, community mental health services, or with private psychiatrists or psychotherapists. It is important that treatment in hospitals is limited to the shortest possible period of time. Self-help groups can also be of great help (share feelings and experiences).
