Vim & Vigor - Summer 2015 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 13)

Mental illnesses happen to people # 2 who are weak or flawed in character. MYTH "The premise that people are to blame for their mental illness stems from the false idea that these are not real illnesses," Sederer says. "You would never say that a person with diabetes or cancer was weak, selfish or at fault for their disease." Experts believe that several factors cause mental illnesses. "Genetic predisposition, illnesses, injuries and brain chemistry appear to play a primary role, but environmental exposure to toxins or trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, can also be catalysts," Sederer explains. "Mental illness isn't something you can will away," Woolis adds. "To suggest that a stronger individual could overcome it is hurtful and incorrect." Individuals with severe mental # 3 illnesses can't hold a job or have successful relationships. MYTH "With proper treatment, many people are able to function very well, both in their families and careers," Woolis says. Job placement and support programs have helped many individuals with mental illnesses find and succeed at work. "It's often assumed that people with mental illnesses are fated to be failures at life, but that is patently false," Sederer says. "Unfortunately, since most people don't broadcast their illness, it can be hard to see how many of them are leading full lives of contribution." People with mental illnesses # 4 are violent and dangerous. MYTH While individuals with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are slightly more likely Dos and Don'ts of Talking About Mental Illness If a friend or family member told you that she was struggling with mental illness, would you know what to say? Here, PCRMC psychiatrist Madeleine Philpot, MD, offers some suggestions. 3 DO your research. "Educate yourself about their condition and ask questions about their experience rather than assuming," Dr. Philpot says. 3 DON'T tell others. "In nonurgent situations, respect their wishes regarding sharing information about their condition," she says. 3 DO treat them with respect. "People are more than their illness," Dr. Philpot says. "They deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion like everyone else." 3 DON'T joke or tease them about it. "It can be painful, even if they laugh at it," she says. "On the other hand, if they joke about it, it's OK to laugh with them." 3 DO show you care. Offer your support in whatever way you can. "Just being a person who will listen when they need to talk is huge," Dr. Philpot says. 3 DON'T let myths go unchecked. "When we correct false information, we help combat the stigma of mental illness and make it easier for people to get the help they need," she says. to exhibit violent behavior, recent studies found that most people with mental illness were no more likely to commit violent acts than others. There's nothing you can do to help # 5 someone with a mental illness. MYTH "Individuals who have loving, supportive families who are educated about their mental illness are more likely to seek treatment, and function at higher levels and have a better quality of life than those who don't," Woolis says. Sometimes a kind word and a little compassion-such as asking someone whether he or she is OK-are all it takes to nudge someone to seek treatment. "It seems like such a simple thing," Sederer says, "but asking that question can be like CPR for someone struggling with a mental illness." n website Help Is Available Phelps County Regional Medical Center offers outpatient therapy services at the PCRMC Center Clinic. For more information, please call 573-364-2007 or visit pcrmc.com/ medical-services/ psychiatric-services. Summe r 2015 FdVVSU1576_09-48_Commons.indd 13 FdVVSU1500_10-13_Beckham.indd 13 13 3/25/15 1:23 PM 1/28/15 11:03 AM http://www.pcrmc.com/medical-services/psychiatric-services

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Vim & Vigor - Summer 2015 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center