Mental illness refers to disorders that affect a person’s thinking, behavior, emotions and how they relate to others. The symptoms of any mental health disorder span a wide range. Some people have symptoms that are relatively mild and don’t affect their day to day functioning very much. Others experience symptoms that are disabling. Many mental illnesses are also episodic, with periods of "normal" mood or behavior in between. Often, the symptoms of mental illness are cyclic, varying in severity from time to time. The duration of an episode also varies; some people are affected for a few weeks or months; for others the illness may last many years or a lifetime.

WHAT ROLE DOES THE DIAGNOSIS PLAY IN RECOVERY?

In the past, the medical model focused on a person’s diagnosis and the symptoms and problems the diagnosis produced. Because of this emphasis on diagnosis, many consumers have learned to identify themselves by their disorder. It’s not uncommon to hear a person introduce themselves by saying, "Hi, I’m Mary and I’m manic depressive." An important element of recovery is learning about the disorder, but it’s also important for consumers to recognize that their diagnosis is just a small part of who they are. In addition to having a diagnosis of mental illness, a person still has dreams, goals, talents, imperfections and problems that are totally unrelated to their diagnosis.

The diagnosis is a name that is given to a set of symptoms a person experiences as the result of their mental illness. When a person is given a diagnosis, the diagnosis serves as a guide for the treating professional. There are certain kinds of medications and treatments that work best with specific disorders, and good mental health treatment should follow the guidelines that are set for a specific disorder. Beyond that, the diagnosis should not define or describe a person.

This is important, because the focus in a recovery model should not just be on managing the symptoms and problems of a diagnosis. It should be on treating and helping the whole person. While diagnostic information is important, consumers should also work to enhance all areas of their life – friends, work, hobbies, spiritual life and personal achievement.

With that in mind, there are many respected and informative resources that can teach consumers about a specific disorder and its diagnosis and treatment. One of the best resources should be your doctor or therapist, but you should also be willing to do research on your own. When doing research, assume a "buyer beware" attitude. While there is a wealth of valuable knowledge on the Internet, in libraries and through friends, use your common sense. If you hear of something that is confusing or makes you uneasy, talk to your doctor, mental health professional or trusted support group member.

Internet resources:

GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION

• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill - www.nami.org
• National Mental Health Association - www.nmha.org
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) - www.samhsa.gov

SCHIZOPHRENIA

• http://www.schizophrenia.com

BI-POLAR DISORDER

• http://www.ndmda.org
• http://www.nami.org/bipolar/bipolar.htm

DEPRESSION

• http://www.nami.org

ANXIETY DISORDERS

• http://www.adaa.org
• http://www.nami.org

ADHD

• http://www.chadd.org
• http://www.addinfonetwork.com

The information and content provided on the CHN site are offered for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral health condition.