# MHApps Take Control – Whats It Called – Diagnosis And Naming Of Illness – Insight And Recovery

Its Called
Next> <Prev

- What is it Called? Below is a small selection of definitions of mental illness from various sources.
  Whatever the diagnosis - schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, most people experience a huge amount of fear as well as some of the classic symptoms of the “diagnosis”. At every stage, it is important to focus on the person and not the behaviour. If you are experiencing mental ill health you may or may not be aware of it yourself. You may be dependent on others to assist you to know what to do. The word insight is much used in these situations.
  “I never got it, ‘insight’. Once I’m in it I’m totally in it. Mad or not, I can see them both, but not at the same time, if you get me”.
  A big part of mental ill health is the fact that often people do not know that they are behaving strangely or out of character and demonstrating clear signs of ill health to all around them.
  Insight only comes with time and experience. We are, at this critical point, very dependent on family, friends and mental health professionals. If you’ve been here before, planning, mapping and knowing your options is a great help in times of severe stress or crises.

- Knowing and naming a person you trust who will steer you through times of crises, is a central factor in most personal stories of recovery.

- If it is your first time, being able to avoid an endless cycle of cul de sacs or false starts is very important.
  “Schizophrenia is characterised by disturbances in a person’s thoughts, perceptions, emotions and behaviour. It affects approximately one in every hundred people worldwide and first onset commonly occurs in adolescence or early adulthood, although it can also occur later in life.” (Schizophrenia Ireland Handbook 2003)
  “Schizophrenia can be thought of in terms of experiencing episodes during which reality is perceived differently. This might mean hallucinating; seeing or hearing things that others do not, or having delusions where a person has unfounded beliefs that they are perhaps being persecuted or that they are famous.” (Rethink)
  “It is what is known as a psychotic illness, meaning that a person with schizophrenia may experience delusions, hallucinations and disordered thoughts. They may have little insight into their illness, and commonly do not recognise that they are ill.” (SANE)
  “Bipolar disorder, also known as manicdepressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.
  Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25. Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life.
  Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suffer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life.” (National Institute of Mental Health)
  “Severe depression is a serious medical illness. Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood states, severe depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behaviour, mood, activity and physical health.” (NAMI)
  “… a state of mind of a person, which affects the person’s thinking, perceiving, emotion or judgement and which seriously impairs the mental function of the person to the extent that he or she requires care or medical treatment in his or her own interest or in the interest of other persons.” (Mental Health Act 2001)

Its Called
Next> <Prev