STEP 1: UNDERSTANDING MENTAL ILLNESS AND DETERMINING THE NEED FOR
PROFESSIONAL HELP
I. LEARN ABOUT THE NATURE OF
MENTAL ILLNESS
Normal emotions and
thoughts are
experiences we have in everyday life. Forgetfulness, confusion,
loneliness, discouragement and sadness are examples of normal emotion
and thought. For example, sadness may follow a common life experience
such as being rejected by a friend. It may follow a tragic life event
such as a divorce. It may come from a consequence of personal actions
such as guilt associated with sin. An individual experiencing a normal
emotion like sadness, can use interventions such as positive thinking,
stress management techniques, and increased spirituality to improve
their condition. Normal painful emotions and thoughts are not mental
illnesses and respond to personal, family and caregiver effort to solve
them. A caregiver or clergy often can assist a person in these types of
situations with encouragement and support.
Mental illnesses
are chemical and functional disorders of the brain. Mental illnesses
include disorders such as: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder,
bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, anxiety disorder, autism, pervasive developmental disorders,
and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Mental illnesses may be
inherited from a genetic tendency, developed from extreme stress, the
result of severe substance abuse, or injury. They are often the result
of a combination of these factors. Mental illness can affect anyone. The
chemical processes in the brain of an individual with mental illness are
different from that of a person without mental illness. Because of the
biological aspect of mental illness, medications can play a critical
role in treatment for those with severe mental illness. The correct use
of medications by a person with mental illness is as essential as a
diabetic taking insulin correctly.
Mental illnesses cause mild to severe
disturbances in a person’s thinking, perception, feelings and behavior
resulting in a variety of symptoms. When the symptoms are severe like
confused thinking, rapid mood swings or loss of touch with reality significant
impairment in daily living can result. In such cases, long-term mental
health counseling and the use of medication are usually necessary. Less
severe mental illnesses may only require short-term counseling but
rarely mental health medication.
A mental health professional can be
consulted to determine the type and level of severity of the mental
illness. If there is any
indication of a threat to harm self or others, immediately consult with
supervisory spiritual leaders and contact local legal authorities.
NATURE OF MENTAL ILLNESS
As a result of the
biological nature of mental illnesses, the psychological, social and
spiritual aspects of a person’s life are often affected.
Psychological.
Thoughts and emotions are usually affected when a person experiences
mental illness. Mental illness causes mild to severe disturbances in
areas such as thought processes, motivation, attitude, and mood. A
caregiver may see symptoms like prolonged or severe depression,
unnatural high energy, extreme worry, negative self-image, unrealistic
thinking, or bizarre behavior or thinking. Because of the psychological
and emotional aspects of mental illness, professional counseling plays a
critical role in treatment. Mental illness will most often improve with
professional and medical care.
Social.
Maintaining healthy relationships is often a challenge for an individual
with mental illness. Mental illness causes mild to severe disturbances
in an individual’s ability to relate with family, community members, and
co-workers. A caregiver may see symptoms like withdrawal from society
and the inability to manage problems in school, work or home. Because of
the social aspect of mental illness, establishing and relying on a
support network plays a critical role in treatment. Successful recovery
requires maintaining social ties and engaging in positive relationships.
Spiritual.
In severe cases of mental illness an individual has difficulty discerning
spiritual feelings. Mental illness can erode away a person’s testimony
and spirituality. Mental illness can cause mild to severe disturbances
in an individual’s religious activity and belief in God. A caregiver may
see symptoms like bizarre religious beliefs, difficulty feeling God’s
love, and excessive unrealistic feelings of sorrow and remorse.
Everyone, including those with mental illness, can benefit from increased
spirituality. Faith in our loving Heavenly Father and His plan can bring
peace, even when there is no obvious progress in the biological,
psychological or social aspects of a person’s life. Because of the
spiritual aspect of mental illness, clergy have a specific role in
helping a person cope with mental illness.
The handout Mental Illnesses Are
Brain Disorders is in the Appendix on page 20. This handout
summarizes mental illness. It may be copied as needed and given to
family members. Visit with the individual suspected of having mental
illness and his/her family members to help them understand mental
illness. To learn more about mental illness review the resources listed
below.
INFORMATION ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
There is much hope for those with
mental illness with proper treatment and support. When mental illness is
suspected, it is as important to refer an individual to mental health
care as it is to refer to a medical doctor for a physical illness.
"… Seeking the services of a plumber
or a surgeon is not denying the sufficiency of Christ … physical
illnesses affect all organs of the body-including the brain and its
functions. And one of the brain’s functions is our emotions. Though it
is much more difficult to recognize and accept, many imbalances…can
affect our emotions. God doesn’t need a psychiatrist, but ome of his
saints do." (Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded? Helping Not
Hurting Those with Emotional Dificulties. Dwight L. Carlson, M.D.
1994. Page. 36
Obtaining appropriate professional
help for a mental illness is not contrary to religious beliefs anymore
than seeking medical help for any other physical illness.
II. DETERMINE THE NEED FOR
PROFESSIONAL HELP
Discerning the difference
between normal painful thoughts and emotions, and minor
or severe mental illness is a difficult task. Discerning the difference
will be one of the greatest challenges for a caregiver and others. This
task is further complicated because those with mental illness often
experience both normal and disturbed thoughts, emotions and behavior.
With mental illness, the disturbed emotions and behavior are due to the
brain disorder and will require professional help. Only a mental health
or medical professional can determine the presence of mental illness.
However, a caregiver can assist in referring a person to professional
care when certain signs occur. The following is a list of specific
concerns caregivers and family members should consider in deciding about
making a referral. If the individual exhibits one or more of the
following Indicators Of Mental Illness for at least two weeks, then a
referral to a professional is recommended. If in doubt, refer to a
mental health professional. Refer immediately when suicide or self-harm
are a concern.
INDICATORS OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Evaluate the possibility of a mental
illness by watching for the following.
EMOTIONAL CONCERNS USUALLY NOT
REQUIRING PROFESSIONAL HELP
Professional help is usually not required when there
is a normal painful emotion. There are occasions in which clergy and
caregiver can be very effective in dealing with these types of concerns.
The following examples may cause painful emotions, but usually do not
require professional help. First, worry or sadness associated with
common life experience such as financial, health or other life problems.
Second, remorse and guilt associated with the consequence of personal
actions such as sin or other intentional misbehavior. When sin is of
concern, the caregiver should arrange for the person to meet with the
appropriate clergy. And finally, sadness associated with a tragic life
event such as a divorce or death of a loved one. A caregiver may be of
assistance by giving support and direction in these circumstances.
CONTINUE WITH STEPS IF A MENTAL ILLNESS IS SUSPECTED
The caregiver will not have to complete the remaining
steps in this booklet if mental illness is not indicated. However, if
after a reasonable period of time and effort the individual suspected of
having a mental illness does not make sufficient progress, assume the
possibility of a mental illness and move on to the next step: Select
a Professional.
Those with mental illness need to make a commitment
to manage the illness the best they can. With severe mental illness
short term efforts will not be effective.
"… It is a sign of strength to say, ‘I have a
problem and I need help.’ Hope and help are available. The key to that
hope is understanding. For the victim of mental illness, hope lies in
being properly diagnosed and treated—the sooner the better. And for
family members of the mentally ill, help comes best from those who
understand the illness." (Jan Underwood Pinborough, "Mental
Illness: In Search of Understanding and Hope," Ensign, Feb. 1989, 51)
III. SELECT A PROFESSIONAL
When any one or more of the behaviors listed in the
Table entitled; Indicators of Mental Illness occurs for at least
two weeks, then the person should be referred to a professional. The
most common referrals are made to one of the following: a medical doctor
for a physical examination, a psychiatrist for a psychiatric evaluation,
and a mental health worker for a mental health assessment or therapy.
The decision to refer is based on available finances, insurance coverage,
and availability of professionals. Ideally, seek a professional with
expertise for the type of mental illness suspected.
Physical examination. A physical examination
can rule out other medical causes for problems similar to those listed
as indicators of mental illness. If an individual has a low functioning
thyroid, they may have symptoms similar to depression. In most
communities there are health clinics that can provide a physical
examination at minimal cost. If the physical examination suggests no
medical explanation for the disruptive behavior then proceed with an
appointment with a mental health professional.
Mental health assessment. Encourage the individual and the
family to meet with a mental health professional. Carefully seek a
licensed professional who is skilled in working with mental illness.
There are many types of professionals that can perform a mental health
assessment, including: psychiatrists, professional counselors,
psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric nurses. Most states
regulate those who provide mental health assessments. Everyone who
provides a mental health service should be licensed. The table entitled
Professional Resources (see page 9) is a guide to locate a mental
health professional. Only a competent licensed mental health or
medical professional can make a diagnosis of mental illness. The
person with severe mental illness may need assistance from family,
friends and others in making an appointment with a mental health
provider. In most communities there are mental health clinics that can
provide a mental health examination at reduced cost. The professional
conducting the mental health assessment may not be the same person who
provides ongoing therapy or medication.
Therapy. Counseling, psychotherapy and
therapy are used to describe the same service. Therapy refers to a
professional treating an individual with mental illness. The treatment
is usually conducted face-to-face. Therapy is a working relationship
between the individual with mental illness and the therapist. Therapy is
work and sometimes can be difficult.
Psychiatric evaluation. A psychiatrist is a
medical doctor with special training in mental illness. Usually,
psychiatrists diagnose and treat the person with medication.
Psychiatrists often work in conjunction with a mental health counselor
providing treatment. Review the table Professional Resources (see
page 9) to locate mental health professionals as needed.
IV. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL
Have the individual with the suspected mental illness
make an appointment with the selected professional. Encourage the
individual to prepare for the first appointment with the professional by
making a list that includes the following: factors believed to have
contributed to the problem, over-the-counter and prescribed medications
taken, and the interventions that have been used to solve the problem.
If necessary, encourage a responsible family member to attend the
appointment with the individual.
If the individual with suspected mental illness
refuses to see a professional, encourage a responsible family member to
consult with a physician or mental health professional about the
individual’s symptoms and possible recommendations. Those resources
listed in the table Professional Resources can be helpful in
locating a mental health professional.
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES
If the commitment to make responsible
choices weakens and the individual suspected with mental illness
hesitates to follow through with their appointment with a professional,
the caregiver, family and others will need to confront them and help
them to recommit. This process may have to be repeated numerous times.
This should be done with love and respect. Those with mental illness and
their families need reassurance that they can successfully get help and
cope with their illness. It is not uncommon for persons with mental
illness to initially refuse to make an appointment with a mental health
professional.
Before moving on to Step 2: Working With
Professionals and Community Resources the individual with suspected
mental illness should have already made an appointment with a
professional |
