Understanding a Mental Illness

Running Header: Chronically Mentally Ill Chronically Mentally Illness Caprice M. Barris University of Phoenix BSHS 302 Dina Francisco October 26, 2009 Severely Mentally Ill – Indivuals suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe and recurrent depression plus several others. There are many different types of mental illness some of these illnesses are depression, schizophrenia , bi-polar, dementia. Signs and symptoms can differ from person to person depending on their age, the type of disorder they have to how they behave ( Health Article Mental Illness). History Mental illness dates back to early history when it was thought of as being possessed by demons (Porter 2002). Even through the Middle Ages demonic possession and witchcraft were thought to be the cause of mental illness. People with mental Illness were abused in public, thrown in jail and chained to walls, they had no rights they were thought of as being dumb and the public would pay to watch them be put on display like in a circus freakshow. Mid 1700’s many towns built separate housing and hospitals for the mentally ill. Early 18th century the Mental Health Reform was led by Philippe Pinel of France (Torrey & Miller, 2002). 1946 – National Mental Health Act 1949 – National Institute of Mental Health 1955 – Mental Study Act The elderly for the highest risk of suicide are white males over the age of 85 many who are widowed (Birrer & Vemuri; 2004; McIntosh,2003). Many of the elder are misdiagnosed with depression when actually it may by Demencia or Alheimers. As a Human Service Professionals we must be able to recognize the signs of depression and the risks. Some of the signs include anxiety, alcohol abuse, not sleeping, irritability, just to name a few. Causes of Mental Illness Causes of mental illness can vary from person to person. For some it could be due to stress, there could be biological issues, hormone

References: Ausienet.com, Medicine.crieghton.edu (The Meaning of Recovery,03-04) Intervention(Nami.org) Through the eyes of practice settings chapter 6