Does mental illness effect your life?

Firstly, i think that it is difficult to measure the severity of mental illnesses as the tell tale signs can not adequetly disclose the full picture. People can learn to hide the severity by forcing smiles but because someone with an illness such as depression appears happy on the outside do not be fooled that there is any less turmoil on the inside. It is generally the people you least expect that take the most drastic measures. I suggest keeping him occupied make the effort to do things with him that you know interest him and give him enjoyment. Fill his world with happiness so to speak. I understand that it is hard on you so make sure that you have support also. Mental illnesses affect everyone in contact with them much like any other illness.

My daughter has bipolar. It is not easy living with that disease or someone who has it. My daughter belongs to an on line support group for people with bipolar so maybe you could find an online group for families of bipolar patients. Education about the disease is the only thing that really helps.

My first husband was mildly depressed, even on medication. I loved him dearly. He actually found it to be a relief when he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, which was terminal. He chose a very solitary profession, so was gone a lot. I was a not single single parent most of the time my kids were growing up. They each looked at it differently. I have a wonderful friend who is bipolar, and I am so proud of her. She has had several professions, raised four biological kids, some foster kids, and one adopted at risk child. She is a nurse, and a teacher, and I wish I had half her energy when things are good.

I have a schizophrenic brother and it's really hard trying to cope especially during the times when they are becoming uncontrollable. My brother becomes uncontrollable when he refuses to take his medicines and he is always angry when we bring him for his sessions with his psychiatrist. As for the social stigma of having a brother with schizophrenia, I never really cared. What's more important for me is my brother, how to care for him. On how you can be a positive influence, it's just showing that you care for him and making him feel that he is not a burden and that you understand and will stay with him, come what may.

Yes mental illness affect life. I have seen many such persons. I am also worried about it. But i think these treatments are rare. And the cost may be too much. I also heard about this. And i will be working them to be treated. We have to help others. Then only others will help us. Please rate me. Thank you.

Yes mental illness has effected my life, I have had severe depression and PTSD and although I have got it under control which took me over 5 years, I still have problems with it every so often. I also have a niece who has bipolar and because I am the only one in her life that understands the problem she always comes to me which can be hard but we have learned to cope that way and in the last year she has come a long way. She does not want to talk to a "shrink" but has one that has put her on medication that has calmed her down alot and we talk about how she feels alot, but even the slightest thing can send her over the edge, but we have gone from having a blow up all day everyday to probably once a week or so. I was told something when I had my problems that really made me think, if you had asthma and you had to take medication for it would you think twice about it? and most people say no, so what is the difference between having to take medication for asthma and taking medication for a mental illness, both will improve your lifestyle!

My grandmother has mental issues. Without sound nasty she tunes in and out and goes pretty fruity. Although I had always grown up around the idea "she" was pretending as that's what most of my other family members said. I actually buy it though, especially when she talks about my grandfather still being alive :) ~Joey

Since i was young i've suffered from another type of disorder called SAD. Social Anxiety Disorder. It has stopped me from completing uni, made me unable to finish certain courses and generally held me back. I have since seen a doctor and am now receiving treatment for it to help me deal with certain situations better. other people in my family have suffered from similar disorders too. My 30 year old cousin has had a terrible life-not being able to hold down jobs or keep friends because of his bi-polar. He is an intelligent man and has semi-completed a psychology degree but because he can't hold a job down because of his terrible depression he can not afford to continue studying. Most people in my family have always called him a 'low life' and 'useless' and 'lazy' because they don't understand that it's an illness. I am close with my cousin and sometimes feel as if I'm the only one who understands him. It's very difficult for me because I kind of know what he's going through, but my problem isn't half as bad as his. I'm living my life yet no matter what specialists he sees, what new medication he takes, he's not getting anywhere.

Mental illness is all around us. For some it hits close to home like in your situation and for some not quite so close, but it is still there. I teach many kids with mental health issues as well as having some family that have struggled. I think the only things you can do are exactly what you are doing. Learn about it and try to be supportive. Don't confuse supportive with enabling. If he needs treatment, you need to tell him. Maybe you should have someone else you trust help you. A minister, relative, or friend that both of you trust. The best way to battle mental illness is through good treatment. The options get better each year. Good luck !

I feel worried about the problem as well.With the increasing of work pressure nowadays,a great many of us are deeply disturbed by mental illness.I always assume that more than one half of people have got mental illness including me.Sometimes I feel obviously that I'm typically bipolar with seasonal affective disorder.For a period of time,I had got angry every single day just with something inconsiderable,which can't be controlled at all.