The moment one hears about mental health in the South Asian community, the brain translates it into “Paagal”. And, then a series of misconceptions emerge.
Misconception number one
The understanding of mental health centres around somebody doing something to someone. This could be in the forms of “black magic” and “possession by the evil forces”.
Misconception number two
The explanation also centres on someone giving something to eat which caused the person mental illness.
Misconception number three
The explanation of mental illness is related to past sins, karma, and bad luck.
Misconception number four
A new addition to the family (a child born, a bride entering the family) is indirectly held responsible for the mental illness as well.
Mental illness can affect anyone
Mental illness affects everyone sooner or later—one in five people will experience a mental illness directly. Those of us who do not have a mental health problem ourselves, will have a friend, colleague, or family member who is dealing with a mental health issue.
Common mental illnesses
The most common forms of mental illness are anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common group of mental illnesses. People with anxiety disorders become distressed when faced with particular objects and situations, and tend to avoid circumstances that trigger their anxiety. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder are among the more common anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy and medication are typically used for successful treatment.
Depressive disorders
Depressive disorders, also known as affective disorders or mood disorders, are associated with extreme highs and lows. They affect about 1 in 10 Canadians. Depression, the fastest-growing cause of long-term disability in Canada, is the most common among this type of disorder, which includes bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression), dysthymia, and seasonal affective disorder. More than 80% of people with depressive disorders improve substantially with treatment, and in addition to medication and psychotherapy, several specialized treatments for depressive illnesses have proven effective, including electro-convulsive therapy (ECT).
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 Canadians, usually by the age of 25. Symptoms include visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, thought disorder, social isolation and withdrawal, and flat or inappropriate moods. Researchers are working to determine whether schizophrenia is a single disorder or a group of related illnesses. The primary treatment is anti-psychotic medication, and counseling services from community agencies and hospitals also help people with schizophrenia to manage their symptoms and reintegrate into the community.
Eating disorders, personality disorders, and organic brain disorders
Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and are most common in men and women under the age of 30. Psychotherapy is most effective for eating disorders, although medication may also be prescribed.
Personality disorders are difficult to diagnose and treat, but generally are associated with irritable, hostile, fearful, demanding, or manipulative behaviour. Intensive psychotherapy, sometimes with medication, is the primary treatment.
Organic brain disorders include Alzheimer’s disease, damage caused by strokes and accidents, and AIDS dementia complex (in which brain cells are damaged by the HIV virus). Treatment for these disorders usually consists of rehabilitation programs.
All mental health illnesses are manageable. Some are treatable and some are managed by medications and a variety of other interventions. Please call Punjabi Community Health Services to discuss any mental health information. You can reach us at 905-790-0808.
Bladev Mutta is Chief Executive Officer of Punjabi Community Health Services.
