01/14/2023
IS MENTAL ILLNESS CURABLE?
In the past, people were blamed and stigmatized because they had mental illness and they were told not to expect very much from life. Fortunately, that is no more the case, in recent years, due to good information on causes of mental illness and improvements in treatment, it can be managed and recovery is possible. Mental illness can be cured when treated appropriately and early, some people recover fully and have no further episodes of illness.
For example, not too long ago, a young woman (name withheld for privacy reason) was brought to our ministry for counseling. She had extreme anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia disorders. Because of these conditions, she was constantly having psychotic episodes, at times cutting herself with sharp objects, restless, agitated and even combative.
After evaluating her, we used our holistic approach in her case. And after ten intensive sessions with her, her condition began to improve, the psychotic episodes and other symptoms she was experiencing ceased and overtime she recovered fully.
Now, this is not to suggest that all sufferers of mental illness fully recover because mental illness include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, two broad categories can be used to describe these conditions: Any Mental Illness (AMI) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
Any Mental Illness is defined as a mental, behavioral and emotional disorder. It can vary in impact ranging from no impairment to mild, moderate and even severe impairment. And Serious Mental Illness is defined as a mental, behavioral and emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.
With that in mind, for some people, their mental health conditions may recur through their lives and require ongoing treatment just like some physical illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease etc. Like these long term diseases, mental illness can be managed and the individual can live full and productive life. For instance, people with diabetes who take their medications regularly and make some lifestyle changes live long and full life. Likewise, individuals with serious mental health can live normal life if they keep to their treatment plan.
Ironically, the traditions of compassion, understanding, sympathy and support given to people with physical illness are often denied those with mental illness due to false perception based on some of the damaging stereotypes.
While some mental illnesses may be genetically predisposed, biological factors such as chemical imbalance in the brain, a traumatic brain injury and life experiences such as stress, trauma, relationship breakdown, abuse, loss, social isolation, substance abuse, major physical illness or disability contribute to the onset of a mental illness.
This presupposes that anyone could be vulnerable to mental health condition. Common mental disorder affect one in five adults worldwide. Recently in the news it was reported that some sports celebrities such as Naomi Osaka (tennis superstar) from Japan, and our own Simone Bile (Gymnastic superstar and Olympic champion) are dealing with mental health issues, which goes to underscore the fact that no one is immune to mental illness.
Interestingly, some people are more comfortable to say they have a nervous breakdown than admit they have mental illness. Whatever you decide to call it, is of less importance, what matters is to seek help, as early diagnosis and treatment gives you a better chance of recovery.
In some Christian circles, mental illness is viewed to be the result of sin, disobedience, self-indulgence, personal cross to bear, demonic attack or lack of trust in God, which they believe will disappear as you go deeper in your faith. Nothing can be farther from the truth, because mental illness like physical illness impact people with a deep faith in God, thus, has nothing to do with the strength of a person's faith.
The Bible is replete with God's servants who suffered from mental illness such as Elijah (1 Kings 18:4), Job (Job 30:15-17), Jeremiah (20:14), Jonah (Jonah 4:3). Even Charles Spurgeon an English minister, widely known as the prince of the preachers struggled with depression and anxiety. So proper treatments which may include medication, proven psychotherapy, biblical counseling, prayer depending on the condition are needed to help the sufferer deal with their illness.
The key to recovery begins with having hope. Without hope, a person will give up and not try anything that can make their life better. Most people who suffer from mental illness do not seek help because they fear being devalued, stigmatized, isolated, ignored or discriminated against if it's known that they have mental illness. This is unfortunate because most people who receive appropriate treatment and support recover or get substantially better.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with mental health problem, give us a call at (832) 661-5902 . Don't be in denial or wait hoping it will go away on its own. Be honest with yourself. Your condition can be managed or overcomed. We look forward to working with you. God bless you.
