Mental illness - self diagnosis possible?

[It's Snake Pliskin]

As the title says is mental illness self diagnosable and how is treatment these days for mental illness?
This is a serious question which I have no patience for crap.

 

[Trembling Hand]

As the title says is mental illness self diagnosable and how is treatment these days for mental illness?
This is a serious question which I have no patience for crap.

Why would you bother which something so serious?

its like trying to self diagnose cancer. Even if you get it right, which i doubt it. you still need professional help so start there first.

 

[Sean K]

Depends on the level of mental illness probably. The more severe the more difficult to recognise. I think a lot of people with a mental illness (particularly depression) probably know they have it, but can't do anything about it. That is the real problem.

 

[Julia]

Even psychiatrists sometimes have difficulty making a definitive diagnosis.
Some mental illnesses are overlapping.
I have a friend who has over many years been diagnosed as having:
personality disorder
schizophrenia
schizo-affective disorder
depression

The current one is bipolar.
Don't know what might be next.

Certainly there are many who suffer from psychoses requiring treatment.

But there's also imo an exaggerated and unfortunate trend of medicalising normal human sadness and mood change. We are not supposed to be happy all the time and it's rational to be depressed for a while when something goes wrong. Doesn't mean we have to reach for the medication.

 

[sails]

I have been reading a book "The Stress Answer" by Dr. Frank Lawlis which I have found extremely good. Been reading to try and further understand the debilitating depression that has plagued my daughter for a long time now and which no one in our family picked up on for many years.

Mental illness can come in so many shapes and forms, I think it is advisable to get professional help. Books are great in helping to gain further understanding of this serious, but often misunderstood medical condition.

 

[satanoperca]

Mental illness can come in so many shapes and forms, I think it is advisable to get professional help.

The best advice for any mental illness, just don't expect that the professionals will have all the answers.

Cheers

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Even psychiatrists sometimes have difficulty making a definitive diagnosis.
Some mental illnesses are overlapping.
I have a friend who has over many years been diagnosed as having:
personality disorder
schizophrenia
schizo-affective disorder
depression

The current one is bipolar.
Don't know what might be next.

Certainly there are many who suffer from psychoses requiring treatment.

But there's also imo an exaggerated and unfortunate trend of medicalising normal human sadness and mood change. We are not supposed to be happy all the time and it's rational to be depressed for a while when something goes wrong. Doesn't mean we have to reach for the medication.

I agree with you Julia. Perhaps one's emotional makeup is not illness but a mere reaction to surroundings.

At one stage I wanted to do away with myself. I stopped myself and it was the clearest change catalyst I have experienced. I then, some days after, read Dale Carnegie's book: How to stop worrying and start living which turned me around and back to wanting to live. But I didn't consider that I had a diagnosable mental illness just a reaction to society which had built up over some months. I remember saying to myself every day "This is one powerful power controlling me". I will never forget this time and look back on it when I feel myself getting into a state of anxiety or stress. Fortunately, unfortunately I am one of the lucky ones but what it robbed from me was time, results, and clarity.

So perhaps some illnesses can be self diagnosed but I am still unsure so started the thread.

 

[GumbyLearner]

Drugs can depress people and cause mental illness.

Illicit drugs such as MDMA/ecstasy can retard the Serotonin
receptors in the brain.

Alcohol itself is a depressant

Here's a good link for anyone wanting to know the consequences of long-term substance abuse

http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/atod/od_ecstasy.htm

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

Depends on the level of mental illness probably. The more severe the more difficult to recognise. I think a lot of people with a mental illness (particularly depression) probably know they have it, but can't do anything about it. That is the real problem.

Thanks Kennas.

 

[kincella]

I heard of a case last year....she was an only child...in her late 40's...had been depressed and seeing professionals for over a year....stood to inherit several million...apparently became obsessed with an internet site on how to suicide....had made 2 unsuccessful attempts....3rd time was successful...

my aunt married into a family....all the men committ suicide...or attempt to...she has a daughter who threatens to from time to time...the daughter thinks its in her genes....her father and uncles all suicided.....then just recently the daughter's 26 year old nephew suicided.....the theme with the men...happy go lucky types....then suddenly gone.....some problem that to us, could have been worked through....
self diagnosis is not the answer.....but the net provides so much information, they can take to their doctor to discuss...

 

[awg]

As the title says is mental illness self diagnosable and how is treatment these days for mental illness?
This is a serious question which I have no patience for crap.

In my view, a highly intelligent and informed person, is in a position to make a thourough investigation of the facts that surround various mental illness, and form a view to seek assistance to remediate the issues.

The reason is that the objective criteria, as laid out in DSMIV, the standard diagnostic tool, are available, in writing or internet.

This does not mean you can DIAGNOSE the condition with complete accuracy.

Psychiatrists have a very long and difficult training, because it is difficult to give the best diagnosis and treatment.

If you have a mental condition such as Anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizo, or personality disorder, it is best to have a psychiatrist, although many people dont.

IMO, a crucial step in understanding any illness, is first to understand and accept...then effective treatment can begin.

many people are in denial and dont seek diagnosis/treatment.

I speak from personal and professional experience

 

[It's Snake Pliskin]

In my view, a highly intelligent and informed person, is in a position to make a thourough investigation of the facts that surround various mental illness, and form a view to seek assistance to remediate the issues.

The reason is that the objective criteria, as laid out in DSMIV, the standard diagnostic tool, are available, in writing or internet.

This does not mean you can DIAGNOSE the condition with complete accuracy.

Psychiatrists have a very long and difficult training, because it is difficult to give the best diagnosis and treatment.

If you have a mental condition such as Anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizo, or personality disorder, it is best to have a psychiatrist, although many people dont.

IMO, a crucial step in understanding any illness, is first to understand and accept...then effective treatment can begin.

many people are in denial and dont seek diagnosis/treatment.

I speak from personal and professional experience

Awg,
Do you think that denial comes from the forces of society (stigmas etc) or just stubborness (the wilingness to tough it out)?

 

[nunthewiser]

Knew a bloke

an intelligent happy go lucky sort of bloke

wasnt himself for over a year , knew there was something wrong as in just didnt seem to have the same drive in him anymore . rather lie on the lounge all day , couldnt be bothered doing stuff he loved , ie fishing , mixing it up with his kids etc etc....had no enjoyment left in his life actually

finally he reached out and approached a doctor for help as he had come to the end of his tether and KNEW there was something seriously wrong with his thought processes

the doctor accused said patient as being a "drug seeker " as said fella went about his plea for help with a lil humour....... said doctor made said patient feel 2 inches tall and patient was a proud man not used to being accused of rubbish by strangers......

um the ending to this story is a lil unconventional


anyways ....... said patient lost the plot in doctors surgery as he was wild that he had finally went to seek helpand was denied and accused of something sordid .... um he gave the doctor a shove and a few choice words

the cops were called and he was whisked away .. on being whisked away he explained to the cops why he had done it , he broke down and blubbered all his woes to aresting officers , .,.... the arresting officers organised for a GP to examine said patient while in lockup and was promptly medicated and issued with some form of anti depressant

tis a strange world we live and this said fella is actually considered a respected and highly admired businessman in his field ........

can happen to anyone at anytime ...... he didnt even notice his lack of enjoyment or angst in his everyday thinking until it had gone so far ......

the thing is tho . HE knew there was something wrong with him

 

[awg]

Awg,
Do you think that denial comes from the forces of society (stigmas etc) or just stubborness (the wilingness to tough it out)?

those factors are intertwined

a more difficult complication, which is associated with yr second point.

it is very difficult for the different components of the conscious and sub-conscious mind to realise/accept that it is faulty/ill

hence many people with serious bipolar or schizophrenia will not accept their diagnosis, much the same with depression, their is a more temporary (usually) problem with the function of the brain, and that can be helped but not cured

therefore many people have recurrant bouts of depression, or other mood disorders.

Once a person accepts that it is likely they may be suffering the effects of a mental illness, then they will usually disclose more accurately to the physician, get a accurate diagnosis, and get a good treatment program happening, including many facets

like most health issues, ignorance/ignoring the issue, is not normally the best approach

 

[MrBurns]

I guess we're talking about depression here -

Everyone gets down from time to time but some get pushed or fall over the edge.

if you dont enjoy the things you used to enjoy, if you cant find anything that you really enjoy doing anymore you may have clinical depression.

You know when something lifts you, you may feel great in the mornings, you may look forward to buying something all those little things, when they no longer interest you or lift you thats a sign.

That can lead to thoughts such as "I dont care if I die" to further thoughts of " I'd like to die"

You must get the enjoyment back, somehow.

 

[kpas]

I guess we're talking about depression here -

Everyone gets down from time to time but some get pushed or fall over the edge.

if you dont enjoy the things you used to enjoy, if you cant find anything that you really enjoy doing anymore you may have clinical depression.

You know when something lifts you, you may feel great in the mornings, you may look forward to buying something all those little things, when they no longer interest you or lift you thats a sign.

That can lead to thoughts such as "I dont care if I die" to further thoughts of " I'd like to die"

You must get the enjoyment back, somehow.

I used to get bummed out a bit about life too. The one thing that always straightens me out is the harsh reality that there is probably 5.5billion people in the world who would much rather trade places with me and live my life.

Aussies are so lucky and they don't even realise it.

Should almost be a mandatory thing that all Australians go and visit a third world country for 6 months before they embark on their career of choice, I think it would make people appreciate the freedom and luxurys that we simply take for granted in every day life.

The fact that your kids can play in the back yard without fear of a mine going off would be heaven on earth in some countries.

So think positive, think about the things in your life that are good and ignore the mediocre things that ultimately don't matter.

Life is great.

 

[helicart]

I get depressed every time I'm drawn down >8%.

But then I am delirious when up

Trading is like that....which is why I am trying to automate entries and exits.

 

[Mr J]

I used to get bummed out a bit about life too. The one thing that always straightens me out is the harsh reality that there is probably 5.5billion people in the world who would much rather trade places with me and live my life.

Aussies are so lucky and they don't even realise it.

Should almost be a mandatory thing that all Australians go and visit a third world country for 6 months before they embark on their career of choice, I think it would make people appreciate the freedom and luxurys that we simply take for granted in every day life.

The fact that your kids can play in the back yard without fear of a mine going off would be heaven on earth in some countries.

So think positive, think about the things in your life that are good and ignore the mediocre things that ultimately don't matter.

Life is great.

The flaw in your argument is that it's all relative, and that even the privileged, in their mind, can be worse off than those who may be worse off from the common perspective.

there is probably 5.5billion people in the world who would much rather trade places with me and live my life.

You underestimate the attachment many people will have to their own lives. Far fewer would be willing to trade than you think. Wanting much of what someone else has is not equal to wanting to be them. Many of those 5.5 billion enjoy their life and family, despite not being as well off as you are.

In the end, the most important thing for most people is happiness, and socio-economic status and standard of living do not guarantee that. Have you been to many third world or developing countries? If not, you'd be surprised how happy many of them are.

It can be suggested that their lack of attachment to material possessions allows them to understand what is important in life, and therefore allows them to be happier than many of us.

 

[nunthewiser]

I used to get bummed out a bit about life too. The one thing that always straightens me out is the harsh reality that there is probably 5.5billion people in the world who would much rather trade places with me and live my life.

Aussies are so lucky and they don't even realise it.

Should almost be a mandatory thing that all Australians go and visit a third world country for 6 months before they embark on their career of choice, I think it would make people appreciate the freedom and luxurys that we simply take for granted in every day life.

The fact that your kids can play in the back yard without fear of a mine going off would be heaven on earth in some countries.

So think positive, think about the things in your life that are good and ignore the mediocre things that ultimately don't matter.

Life is great.

I get depressed every time I'm drawn down >8%.

But then I am delirious when up

Trading is like that....which is why I am trying to automate entries and exits.

some here just dont get it do they ?

Depression is a bona fide illness it aint something u get just because ya havin a hard day /week/month/year

ive watched a person VERY close to me have it all , houses , kids , wife , money the whole lot ...... sit there and not have the oomf to get out of his loungeroom for a month , no showers ,sporadic eating , forgot how to actually smile anymore . HE KNEW he had it all , he knew he was fortunate , he knew that he was bloody ill ........he didnt know why nor understand why

its got nothing to do with ones circumstances (which may set the ball in motion but in normal fuctioning thought process , one defeats or overcomes or ignores the negativity) it is a genuine imbalance of ones brain chemicals .

i am no doctor but i know what i have seen and HIS illness was not because he had a bad day.

rather sad actually seeing it BUT seeing him back to his normal self was even better

some ppl dont recover

 

[alwaysLearning]

I have been reading a book "The Stress Answer" by Dr. Frank Lawlis which I have found extremely good. Been reading to try and further understand the debilitating depression that has plagued my daughter for a long time now and which no one in our family picked up on for many years.

Mental illness can come in so many shapes and forms, I think it is advisable to get professional help. Books are great in helping to gain further understanding of this serious, but often misunderstood medical condition.

I've been reading that lack of quality nutrition and exercise is a huge cause for stress and depression.