Mental Illness: A Chemical Imbalance? Hereditary? Trauma Based? Or a Little Bit of Everything?

Anonymous
A discussion regarding "mental illness".  A chemical imbalance in the brain? Hereditary? Trauma based? Or a little  bit of everything?

Let me begin by stating that I am a Psychology major. I am graduating at the end of the year with a Bachelor's degree. I am passionate about the study behind certain behavioral patterns and mental processes. Unfortunately, there is a stigma revolving around these diagnoses, people discrediting the efficacy of Psychiatry and stating the pharmaceutical industry is out for themselves.

The information provided in the textbook is enticing, presenting diagrams of the brain and elaborating on the construction of neurotransmitters, sending these signals that generally elicit a response. Anti-depressants, commonly known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), are one of the most prescribed medications in the country today. As an individual that has tested out a few of these Psychiatric medications to determine a regiment that is best suited for my anxiety and depression, I have come to the conclusion that medicine is not a resolute solution.

I am a human being that has their demons and deals with struggles, similar to every individual on the face of this planet, who wants to find a way to work with what they have. To others, I may be considered weak. Personally, I believe the medication has the ability to calm me down when I am feeling rather anxious or stabilize my mood to avoid a depressive mindset. However, I still experience flashbacks that can damper my brief, optimistic frame of mind.

I have attempted to attend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a form of talk therapy to vent and find a way to deal with these negative thought patterns. Has it assisted? Not really. At the end of that fifty minute session, I am back to reality and have to take the initiative to make use of the therapist's coping strategies. It has taken time to learn to deal with these self-deprecating thoughts and will not come easily, a process that needs to be implemented on numerous occasions.

I can understand the stigma with mental illness, hence, there were numerous individuals that also experienced severe trauma, a significant amount of years ago and did not have the option to consume medication or undergo counseling sessions.

Yet again, I have an illness that can present itself in a situational circumstance. A loved one passed away? We will most likely experience sadness for a prolonged amount of time. Have to take the GRE to get into the Graduate school of your dreams? You will most likely be very tense and worried.

However, what about those that are Schizophrenic? Or have Dissociative Identity Disorder? Do they choose to hear and see things that are not present because they are "weak"?

There is not always going to be one specific cause behind the diagnosis of these diseases. Whether its environmental, hereditary or because of a chemical imbalance, it is still a hindrance that affects the functioning of millions of individuals.

Everyone has a story to tell and yes, life can be a shit fest. If someone reaches out, lend a hand and take time to listen to what they have to say. We all need a hug at the end of the day.

Premise of the composition: These illnesses feel real, even if you cannot physically see it. Do not dismiss what you do not understand immediately. There is not one specific way to go about handling what is bothering an individual, whether it is Psychology based or not. It is all about trial and error.

Mental Illness: A Chemical Imbalance? Hereditary? Trauma Based? Or a Little Bit of Everything?
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