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 Apr 27 2006, 11:41 AM
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Admin Team
Group: Super Administrators
Posts: 9,573
Joined: 15-June 04
From: United States
Member No.: 4
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QUOTE April 25, 9:00 a.m. (EDT) Many Americans Know Little about Mental Illnesses, Most Agree Knowing Warnings Signs Would Help, New Survey Shows http://www.healthyminds.org/multimedia/Maybe.movArlington, Va. – A survey released today by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found a significant lack of consumer knowledge and understanding about the warning signs, causes, and effective treatments for mental illnesses, such as depression. Almost half the public—44 percent—report knowing only a little or almost nothing at all about mental illnesses. But asked whether they would benefit from knowing more about the warning signs of mental illness, 84 percent said yes. “The consequences of this gap in knowledge are quite serious,” said Carolyn Robinowitz, M.D., secretary-treasurer and 2006 president-elect of the APA. “About one-in-five Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder during any given year. This means few families are untouched by a mental illness. All families will benefit from understanding how these disorders can impact their lives.” The survey also showed that one-third of Americans mistakenly think that emotional or personal weakness is a major cause of mental illnesses and almost as many think old age is a major cause. In fact, research shows the causes of mental illnesses are genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, and other physical illnesses and injuries that have psychiatric side effects. Robinowitz noted that advances in medical science have led to new and innovative treatments that help people live full and productive lives. “Today we know more than ever about how the brain works and how it affects overall health,” Robinowitz said. “We need to make sure Americans get the benefit of these discoveries, and that means dispelling myths and providing the facts so that people get the help they need. We really can help Americans have healthy minds so they can enjoy healthy lives.” Indeed treatments for mental illnesses are effective. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently found the rate of successful treatment for depression (70-80 percent) compares favorably to the rate for other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease (45-50 percent). The survey showed that many Americans do not understand that common mental illnesses can be successfully treated most of the time. "Left untreated, mental illnesses can take an enormous toll on family life, the workplace, and society as a whole,” Robinowitz said. Mental disorders comprise four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and the economic burden of depression alone was estimated at $83 billion in 2000. Additional Findings • Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to help: Eighty-seven percent say it is important to have a medical degree when it comes to being able to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. • Stigma persists: Thirty-one percent of adults surveyed say they would not seek treatment because they fear what others may think. • Mental health groups and the media can help with positive images: Almost two-thirds of adults surveyed say positive stories in the news media about mental illnesses and positive portrayals of people with mental illnesses in television programs and movies would have “quite a lot” or “some” influence in overcoming the stigma associated with mental illnesses. “The most important point is for people to understand that mental illnesses are real and highly treatable,” said Robinowitz. “Through the APA’s ‘Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.’ campaign, we are providing the most up-to-date, science-based information on common mental health concerns, warning signs, where to turn for help, and treatment options.” For professional help, people can turn to their primary care physician or a psychiatrist. As medical doctors, psychiatrists specialize in how the brain works. They are the only mental health practitioners who are trained in the biological workings of the mind and body. About the American Psychiatric Association:
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose more than
37,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental
illnesses including substance use disorders. Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives. Care that works to
get your mind healthy again so you can lead a healthy life.
May is Mental Health Month. Learn more by visiting the APA’s consumer Web site at
www.healthyminds.org.
About the Survey:
This national survey of 1,005 American adults ages 18 and older was conducted for the
American Psychiatric Association March 17-21, 2006 by Knowledge Networks. The sample is
based on a methodology designed to produce a representative sample of the U.S. adult
population.
Margin of error: The results achieved from all sample surveys are subject to sampling error.
Sampling error is defined as the difference between the results obtained from the sample and
those that would have been obtained had the entire relevant population been surveyed. The
sampling error for the total sample of this survey (n = 1,005) is plus or minus 3.1 percentage
points. Please note that when comparing smaller subgroups, such as respondents divided by
gender categories, or income, the margin of error increases.SOURCE:-Porter Novelli: 202-973-1360 Lydia Sermons-Ward at APA 703-907-8640 or press@psych.org
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~Lindsay, Forum Super Administrator   Hotlines
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Apr 29 2006, 03:16 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: 29-April 06
Member No.: 7,141
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Not only are they ignorant, they're usually prejudiced as well... For many people "Mental Illness"="Dangerous"...
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 May 10 2006, 05:06 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 17
Joined: 6-March 06
From: Lonely in Texas
Member No.: 6,221
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QUOTE(Callista @ Apr 29 2006, 04:16 PM)  Not only are they ignorant, they're usually prejudiced as well... For many people "Mental Illness"="Dangerous"... I agree with you.
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Jun 17 2006, 03:52 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 7
Joined: 7-June 06
Member No.: 8,000
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I agree. The stigma to MI is because of ignorance. I have had schizophrenia and bipolar for 29
years and it was due to meds and therapy that I got better and had two novels published based
on my mental illness. Now, my family understands that mental illnesses are just that - ILLNESSES!
It's bad enough we suffer from our illness but do we have to suffer prejudice, too?
This post has been edited by Lindsay: Jun 18 2006, 02:43 PM
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Jun 23 2006, 01:43 AM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 9
Joined: 22-June 06
From: Clevelland, Ohio
Member No.: 8,275
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QUOTE(Callista @ Apr 29 2006, 04:16 PM) Not only are they ignorant, they're usually prejudiced as well... For many people "Mental Illness"="Dangerous"... I agree.  Most people don't have to deal with depression and therefore, don't understand how devastating it can be on a person's life. More than a few people have told me to 'get over it' and 'get on with my life' 
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Jul 2 2006, 04:09 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 32
Joined: 29-June 06
Member No.: 8,419
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I think it should be taught at school. In my experience, alot of people I have come across seem to find it amusing. I had an argument with my housemate recently and she said to me "Grow up...you're so childish and selfish....you're not the only one with problems".
This hurt me because I want her help and support but I flet that she thought what was going on in my head wasn't to be taken seriously. The biggest problem she has is deciding what to wear (ok that is a little childish) but I definately agree, people are scared of mental illness. I also think that the majority of people don't even class Depression as illness
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Jul 14 2006, 05:59 PM
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Just Registered
Group: Banned
Posts: 0
Joined: 9-July 06
From: Sheffield,England
Member No.: 8,597
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QUOTE(Callista @ Apr 29 2006, 09:16 PM) Not only are they ignorant, they're usually prejudiced as well... For many people "Mental Illness"="Dangerous"... I think it is a universal problem and not just restricted to Americans
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Oct 2 2006, 02:24 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 9
Joined: 2-October 06
Member No.: 10,488
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Not only are they ignorant, they're usually prejudiced as well... For many people "Mental Illness"="Dangerous"...
Yes, you are right about people being ignorant about depression and other mental disorders, myself included.
When my mother started suffering from depression, I was 19, and had absolutely no idea what it was. I blamed her for not wanting to change things and i didn't understand when she as saying that it was stronger than her. I wasn't helpful at all at the beginning and was battling my own issues at the same time (the death of very close cousin who was my best friend at the same time).
It has been 7 years now, i have learned quite a lot about depression but it seems that it is too late. My mother doesn't leave the house, has no friends, does some things around the house and that's it. She is taking the meds but it is as if they are not working, she doesn't want to go to the behavioral therapy and doesn't feel like doing anything to get better. I often ask her to do things with me but she always refuses.
I do feel ashamed for not being helpful straight from the beginning, i feel guilt for not being there for her when she was so confused and probably frightened. This is what ignorance did in my case.
I think that people who are not affected or don't know anybody who is affected have these wrong aditues and are prejudes about depressed people and that they become aware and start learning only when it strikes them or somebody close to them.
This post has been edited by Stjarna: Oct 2 2006, 02:25 PM
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Nov 5 2006, 12:20 PM
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Junior Member
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Posts: 130
Joined: 3-October 06
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Educating the public is imperative for those of us with mental illnesses. It's still something one must avoid sharing with their boss, their friends, and sometimes even those closest to them - just the people who, if better informed, could actually help us feel more 'normal', more accepted as NOT dangerous, and as a result help us better accept ourselves.
I had undiagnosed dysthymia for 18 years when I began drinking...which turned into alcohol dependance (alcoholism). I finally went to AA and got sober...and was "Happy, Joyous, and Free" until I hit a major depressive episode.
I can't tell you how harmful it has been to my sobriety, to have the same people who have accepted alcoholism as a disease tell me that I've just got to get to more meetings, call my sponsor every day, help another alcoholic (i.e. work the program better), and insinuate (sometimes very subtly) that medications are the equivalent of alcohol in that the alter one's mood.
In AA they say acceptance is the key. I am beginning to realize that if I could better accept my depression, I could stop beating myself up for the limitations it puts on me and my ability to cope, relax and let go, and let it flow through me. So many times I've read that the harder you try, the worse it gets.
The movie "A Beautiful Mind' gave a face to schizophrenia, and a value on the individual who has it...and a reason to accept the individual as being capable of great things, in spite of his mental illness. Still, I'm sure too many people viewed it as a showcase for Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connoly, and saw the movie simply because they were curious...the way people are curious about a traffic accident.
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To be is to become: but the world has committed itself to being, delights only in being; yet wherein it delights brings fear, and what it fears is pain. Now this Life Divine is lived to abandon pain.
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Nov 5 2006, 12:25 PM
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Junior Member
Group: Junior Member
Posts: 130
Joined: 3-October 06
Member No.: 10,527
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P.S. My mother committed suicide when I was 19, after being institutionalized twice for depression after my father died when I was 17.
I lived alone with her at that time, and even when I asked the doctors to explain what was happening, and how I could help, they could only answer "Just keep doing what you're doing". Maybe I couldn't have helped (I've accepted that I did the best I could), but at that time (1975) the subject was still so taboo that there was very little information, and even her doctors did't feel comfortable talking about it.
I just realized I am passionate about this.
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To be is to become: but the world has committed itself to being, delights only in being; yet wherein it delights brings fear, and what it fears is pain. Now this Life Divine is lived to abandon pain.
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Jan 16 2007, 03:49 AM
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Gold Member
Group: Gold Member
Posts: 1,485
Joined: 4-January 07
Member No.: 13,064
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I am working on my doctorate in education for curriculum and instruction, K-12. I actually thought of maybe doing a dissertation on something related to this. I have attempted suicide more than once and having more education would've helped then. The same for my friends. They have no understanding whatsoever about this and it's hard. Some doctors who don't deal with this could certainly use some understanding too. QUOTE(Forum Admin @ Apr 27 2006, 06:41 AM) QUOTE April 25, 9:00 a.m. (EDT) Many Americans Know Little about Mental Illnesses, Most Agree Knowing Warnings Signs Would Help, New Survey Shows http://www.healthyminds.org/multimedia/Maybe.movArlington, Va. – A survey released today by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found a significant lack of consumer knowledge and understanding about the warning signs, causes, and effective treatments for mental illnesses, such as depression. Almost half the public—44 percent—report knowing only a little or almost nothing at all about mental illnesses. But asked whether they would benefit from knowing more about the warning signs of mental illness, 84 percent said yes. “The consequences of this gap in knowledge are quite serious,” said Carolyn Robinowitz, M.D., secretary-treasurer and 2006 president-elect of the APA. “About one-in-five Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder during any given year. This means few families are untouched by a mental illness. All families will benefit from understanding how these disorders can impact their lives.” The survey also showed that one-third of Americans mistakenly think that emotional or personal weakness is a major cause of mental illnesses and almost as many think old age is a major cause. In fact, research shows the causes of mental illnesses are genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events, and other physical illnesses and injuries that have psychiatric side effects. Robinowitz noted that advances in medical science have led to new and innovative treatments that help people live full and productive lives. “Today we know more than ever about how the brain works and how it affects overall health,” Robinowitz said. “We need to make sure Americans get the benefit of these discoveries, and that means dispelling myths and providing the facts so that people get the help they need. We really can help Americans have healthy minds so they can enjoy healthy lives.” Indeed treatments for mental illnesses are effective. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently found the rate of successful treatment for depression (70-80 percent) compares favorably to the rate for other chronic illnesses, such as heart disease (45-50 percent). The survey showed that many Americans do not understand that common mental illnesses can be successfully treated most of the time. "Left untreated, mental illnesses can take an enormous toll on family life, the workplace, and society as a whole,” Robinowitz said. Mental disorders comprise four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. and the economic burden of depression alone was estimated at $83 billion in 2000. Additional Findings • Psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to help: Eighty-seven percent say it is important to have a medical degree when it comes to being able to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. • Stigma persists: Thirty-one percent of adults surveyed say they would not seek treatment because they fear what others may think. • Mental health groups and the media can help with positive images: Almost two-thirds of adults surveyed say positive stories in the news media about mental illnesses and positive portrayals of people with mental illnesses in television programs and movies would have “quite a lot” or “some” influence in overcoming the stigma associated with mental illnesses. “The most important point is for people to understand that mental illnesses are real and highly treatable,” said Robinowitz. “Through the APA’s ‘Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.’ campaign, we are providing the most up-to-date, science-based information on common mental health concerns, warning signs, where to turn for help, and treatment options.” For professional help, people can turn to their primary care physician or a psychiatrist. As medical doctors, psychiatrists specialize in how the brain works. They are the only mental health practitioners who are trained in the biological workings of the mind and body. About the American Psychiatric Association:
The American Psychiatric Association is a national medical specialty society whose more than
37,000 physician members specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental
illnesses including substance use disorders. Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives. Care that works to
get your mind healthy again so you can lead a healthy life.
May is Mental Health Month. Learn more by visiting the APA’s consumer Web site at
www.healthyminds.org.
About the Survey:
This national survey of 1,005 American adults ages 18 and older was conducted for the
American Psychiatric Association March 17-21, 2006 by Knowledge Networks. The sample is
based on a methodology designed to produce a representative sample of the U.S. adult
population.
Margin of error: The results achieved from all sample surveys are subject to sampling error.
Sampling error is defined as the difference between the results obtained from the sample and
those that would have been obtained had the entire relevant population been surveyed. The
sampling error for the total sample of this survey (n = 1,005) is plus or minus 3.1 percentage
points. Please note that when comparing smaller subgroups, such as respondents divided by
gender categories, or income, the margin of error increases.SOURCE:-Porter Novelli: 202-973-1360 Lydia Sermons-Ward at APA 703-907-8640 or press@psych.org |
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Feb 2 2007, 08:22 PM
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Newbie
Group: Newbie
Posts: 21
Joined: 11-January 07
From: Phoenix, AZ.
Member No.: 13,253
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QUOTE(Joyous56 @ Nov 5 2006, 12:25 PM) P.S. My mother committed suicide when I was 19, after being institutionalized twice for depression after my father died when I was 17.
I lived alone with her at that time, and even when I asked the doctors to explain what was happening, and how I could help, they could only answer "Just keep doing what you're doing". Maybe I couldn't have helped (I've accepted that I did the best I could), but at that time (1975) the subject was still so taboo that there was very little information, and even her doctors did't feel comfortable talking about it.
I just realized I am passionate about this. As well you should be. You have good reason to be. And for what "It" is worth, I don't trust most doctors and espec the FDA. They have been caught hiding results, siding with drug companies more than once. The pharmaceutical companies have also been found to have contributed to both sides of the political isle. This is some pretty effective positioning powere. It's a slimey industry in my opinion. It's a shame though that the good doctors out there, the ones who REALLY want to help are made accesories to these attrocitites. I once lost a close friend and fellow Gulf War Vet to psychiatrists at the VA. They basically drugged him and left him to die. This unfortunately happens all too often. There are far too many institutions that are over crowded, understaffed and unable to truly guve someone like your mom the attention required to get through an event like what she went through. I'm truly sorry for your loss. It is my belief that as professionals, doctors should be held more accountable for deaths such as your mom's. I have learned to never accept: "There is nothing we can do". Again, I am truly sorry for your loss and I really do understand how you feel. I lost my Mom to cancer five years ago. She was my best friend.
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