Mental illness can range from addiction to drugs/alcohol to difficulty adjusting to recent changes in life to psychotic episodes. Usually, it is the interplay of biological (eg: genetic predisposition), psychological (eg: personality characteristics) and environmental (eg: living in extreme poverty) factors that lead to a particular type of mental illness.

Preventive measures can be taken to decrease the likelihood of developing a mental illness. Such measures include avoiding addictive drugs/alcohol, preventing neglect and abuse in childhood, maintaining a healthy social life and living a balanced lifestyle.

Any unusual change in one’s behavior or thinking patterns as compared to before. In general, one can look out for the following symptoms which commonly occur in mental illness 

• Decreased concentration
• Pervasive sad mood
• Lack of interest in previously pleasurable activities
• Mood swings 
• Getting tired easily
• Social withdrawal
• Change in sleeping and eating habits
• Anger outbursts
• Abuse of illegal drugs/alcohol
• Suicidal thoughts/ self harm
• Delusions/ hallucinations

Do not ignore or brush it off thinking “it’s only in the mind” or labelling the person as lazy or weak. Try to seek help of a mental health professional as soon as possible.

The major difference is that psychiatrists are medical doctors capable of evaluating and diagnosing a mental health condition. They are trained to evaluate the physical and psychological reason of symptoms as they have a sound understanding of how the mind and body work and interact with each other. They provide treatment in many modalities such as medications, therapies, and other physical treatments. Psychologists can’t prescribe medicines and can only provide treatment in the form of psychotherapy. Read full article here

Psychotherapy can be sufficient in certain mild mental health conditions. However, it is most often used in combination with medicines. In severe conditions psychotherapy is not a substitute for medicines.

Most psychiatric medicines aren’t addictive except for anxiolytics, hypnotics, and stimulants. However, these drugs are prescribed judiciously and are closely monitored by the physician.

Psychiatrists do counsel the patients regarding the nature of the disorder, best available treatment options, how family members can provide support to the patient. They do conduct therapies such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), crisis interventions, behavioral therapies, etc. depending on the condition of the patient. They may also choose to refer them to psychologists for further assistance. 

Mental illness has no relation to the person being “weak hearted”. People do not choose to have mental health conditions. In fact, it requires considerable amount of courage to accept and seek help for mental illness.