Mental Illness Is Real: Evidence You Should Know
What actually is mental illness? And what should mental health treatment look like? If you're asking these broad questions, you're in good company. Psychiatry is a complex science, leaving some people to wonder if mental illness is real or just an over-exaggeration of typical symptoms.
For example, you may relate to the idea that "everyone has some ADHD," or "we all get depressed sometimes." If you think this way, you're not alone, but understanding some of the foundations of mental illness may shed some light on your own experiences or the experiences of your loved ones.
At Boreal Therapy Collective, we are dedicated to supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families. In our practice, we treat numerous clinical issues, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and low self-esteem.
What Exactly is 'Mental Illness?'
Mental illness can be defined as health conditions that chronically disrupt an individual's feelings, thinking, or behaviours. The disruption exists on a wide spectrum - those with a milder condition may still be able to function well in daily life. People with serious mental illness can experience devastating consequences, ranging from social isolation, financial despair or homelessness, serious substance abuse, and premature death.
All mental illnesses have defined symptoms, but some of the main risk factors to be aware of include:
difficulties coping with stressors or daily activities
excessive anxiety that does not always have a defined cause
persistent mood swings
excessive hostility or violent behaviour
persistent thoughts of harming yourself or others
inability to take care of yourself despite having resources or support to do so
history of complex or unresolved trauma
It's also important to consider that someone with one mental health condition, such as major depression, may also experience other mental health issues. This is known as 'co-morbidity,' and it's common for people to have overlaps in various symptoms over time.
Are Mental Health Conditions on the Rise?
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 1 in every 8 people live with a mental disorder worldwide. This begs the question: are rates of mental health issues increasing?
It's complicated. One theory is that more awareness is leading people to receive assessments and treatments earlier than they were in the past. It's likely that many people were simply living with undiagnosed mental health issues without realizing it.
However, research also shows that Canadians are increasingly indicating poor mental health. This is due to several factors, including financial stress, increased loneliness, and lack of access to healthcare. The statistics are telling: opioid overdoses are responsible for more deaths in Canada than car accidents, and approximately 11 Canadians die by suicide each day. In addition, people with mental illnesses are more likely to experience health problems compared to the general population.
Mental Illness and the Brain
We're still learning so much about the intersection between medical illnesses and the mind-body connection. For a long time, people believed a psychiatric diagnosis was purely 'in the head.' However, research has continued to show that people with mental health conditions experience neurological differences that can affect every part of their mind and body.
Neurotransmitters tell an important story here. For example, there's evidence showing that people with depression have lower serotonin levels. Brain scans show that people with schizophrenia are more likely to have enlarged brain ventricles and reduced grey matter. People with ADHD tend to have decreased blood flow in the prefrontal cortex.
Of course, it's important to avoid confusing correlation (the existence of a relationship) with causation. But it's equally important to remember that mental illness isn't someone's fault, and it may absolutely speak to fundamental differences in their neurobiology.
Mental Illness and Genetics
Ever heard of the phrase, "it runs in the family?" When it comes to mental health issues, this phrase holds some significant weight.
Research shows strong genetic components in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD. People with those conditions are much more likely to have an immediate family member with the same condition. It's unlikely that mental illness is triggered by just one genetic mutation - instead, scientists theorize that the interaction between multiple genes can predispose someone to developing a mental illness.
Is Mental Health Treatment Actually Effective?
We're mental health professionals, so we're obviously biased in advocating for therapy! But research is also on our side. Numerous studies indicate that evidence-based therapy, including CBT, DBT, and EMDR, are among the most effective treatments for any mental health disorder, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and more.
Of course, therapy is just a tool - it's not a cure for any medical illness, and it's not a replacement for other important treatment measures like psychiatric medication, having a good emotional support system, and implementing necessary wellness strategies.
However, many people feel that therapy helps them develop necessary introspection and cultivate their own resilience. Having a supportive professional on your side can improve your self-esteem, reduce emotional distress, and help you better function in everyday life. This, in turn, can support your overall health.
When it comes to seeking therapy, rather than debating whether mental illness is real, it may be more effective to ask yourself:
Am I struggling to take care of my basic needs?
Do I feel persistently overwhelmed or anxious?
Do I persistently feel sad or struggle with thoughts of hurting myself?
Are my relationships suffering as a result of my mental health?
Do psychiatric diagnoses run in my family, and am I concerned about the welfare of my children?
If you’re answering yes to one or more of those questions, it may be time to consider seeking professional guidance. Although starting therapy can feel intimidating, most people find that getting help offers them the relief they’ve been looking for.
Therapy for Improving Your Mental Health
At Boreal Therapy Collective, we are passionate about reducing stigma and promoting greater accessibility to mental health care. We acknowledge that mental health is complex and that it's so important to understand the intersection between your physical health, emotional needs, and overall functioning.
We treat a variety of mental health issues in our practice and are 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming in all of our treatments.
If you’re ready to start therapy with us, you can book your initial assessment here.
