Wendel Abel - I AM WHAT I THINK

Mental illness is more common than we sometimes think. One in four families is affected by mental illness.

Here are some tips to help families cope:

The good news!

Most mental disorders can be treated. Common disorders such as depression are treatable. Other disorders such as schizophrenia cannot be cured but can be treated and controlled.

Dealing with shame

Many people when they find out that they (or a family member) have a mental disorder, feel ashamed. The fact is that there are more persons living with mental disorders than we think. There is no need to be ashamed. These disorders are no different from any other illness.

Dealing with denial

Over the years, I have seen many people who go into a state of denial when told that a family member has a mental disorder. People use the state of denial to protect themselves from pain and suffering.

As a result of denial, people often delay seeking help or complying with the recommended treatment. Some people who are in a state of denial may find themselves visiting several doctors or health-care providers, often in search of what they want to hear.

Treatment maybe lifelong

For many conditions, treatment may have to be lifelong. As long as most individuals take their medication, they should remain stable and well.

Can mentally ill people lead a normal life?

Yes. Most people living with a mental disorder are able to lead a normal and productive life provided they comply with their treatment and visit their health-care provider regularly.

Do medicationscreate problems?

Almost all drugs have side effects. Sometimes, the side effects are very distressing and cause people to stop taking the medi-cation. You should be prepared to discuss your medication with your doctor and arrive at the com-bination of drugs that works best for you.

Over the years, I have found that some of my best patients are the ones who will advise me of what works best for them.

There are newer drugs that are available but, unfortunately, some of them are expensive. However, many of them are covered by the National Health Fund.

People who do not like to take medication

Many people do not like to take medication. For others, when they are getting sick, they stop taking their medication. This can be problematic as most mentally ill people will deteriorate when they stop taking their medication.

A family member refusesto go to the doctor

There are many people who do not want to visit the doctor. We have services specially designed for this group of people.

We have teams that will visit and administer injections to patients at home, but only with the permission of a family member.

Go and see the psychiatrist at your local hospital to discuss these services.

If someone refusesto take medication

Seek professional help and discuss your options. Most mental health professionals are trained to deal with these situations and they will be able to give useful advice.

Day centres and group homes

Do we have day centres and group homes in Jamaica for people with mental disorders? Yes, we do.

Group homes are for mentally ill people who cannot live by them-selves or cannot live with their families for various reasons.

Day centres are places where mentally ill people can go to participate in various activities during the day. Unfortunately, we do not have enough of these facilities. You may want to discuss this with your health-care provider or drop us a line for further information.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, section of psychiatry, department of community health and psychiatry, University of the West Indies. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.