The Perpetuating Cycle of Suffering
Mental illness is a blanket term used to cover a variety of mental, biological, and psychological conditions that are significantly impairing the everyday life of the one affected. It is a seemingly never-ending cycle, where those affected can face the same problems over and again, often leading to a great distress and suffering.
Our bodies and minds are incredibly complex systems that operate on the fine balance of homeostasis. Our state of wellbeing is always fluctuating between factors such as our environment, diet, or our own physical and mental health. Disruptions of any kind to this balance can cause a cascade of problems as the body strives to reestablish equilibrium.
For those affected by mental illness, the problems they face aren’t only the clinical symptoms of their condition but the stigma that people attach to it. Mental illnesses are not anything to be ashamed of nor something that we should be scared of approaching. Unfortunately, due to the social norms and conventions, the general public is still quite remote on the issues related to mental illness and might even misinterpret certain behaviors as crazy or feeble.
Mental illness often presents in many forms and can manifest not only in the physical signs of the disorder but also in the way people might act or think towards it. Some people may have difficulty in functioning in their everyday routines, such as getting up for work or socializing; this can create a great sense of loneliness and exclusion. Others can experience problems in their thought process, racing thoughts, and intrusive mental images.
No matter which form it might take, the symptoms often worsen as the person isolated themselves and try to push it away. The effects of the disorder can become amplified and even more severe when untreated. As the patient may not recognize the signs of a mental illness, their behavior can be interpreted as actions and therefore perpetuated the cycle of suffering.
The good news is that there are resources available to those affected by mental illness. Mental health professionals can help patients to identify their triggers and provide them with the appropriate support and treatment. It is critical that mental illness is addressed at the earliest stage, for a more effective response.
The best way to break the cycle of mental illness is to first understand the disorder. It is important to know that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of or hide away. During times of difficulty, having someone to talk to can help in reducing the sense of loneliness and helplessness. There are also plenty of support networks, such as helplines and online forums, which can provide an outlet to those who are feeling isolated by their condition.
In order to reduce the repetition of mental illness and improve the quality of life for those affected, it is important for society to become more educated in the matter. Mental health awareness should be promoted and stigmatization should be addressed. It is essential to raise awareness of mental health in order to reduce the prevalence of mental illness and break the continuous cycle of suffering.