Christian Thomas Kelly

UWRT 1103
Mrs. Thomas
Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope
Mental Illness and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope. Mental Health
America. National Mental Health Association, n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2015.
In Mental Illness and the Family, Mental Health America begins by alluding to how mental
disorders are quite prevalent within society, affecting about 54 million Americans. However,
even if mental disorders affect a large number of Americans, this still leaves a large portion of
the population that does not possess mental disorders. Many of the individuals who do not have
mental illnesses stigmatize and label those with the illnesses as outcasts. Such stigmas create
tension on ones family. Mental Health America points out that help is available and the
individuals who possess mental disorders do not have to endure emotional pain (Mental Illness
and the Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope).
What is a Mental Illness? Mental Health America attempts to define mental illness as, a disease
that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to
cope with lifes ordinary demands and routines. Understanding what a mental illness is
involves pinpointing the causes and the symptoms. A primary cause of mental illness is
environmental stressors, according to Mental Health America; however, many other factors
increase ones chance of contracting a mental illness, including: genetics and chemical
imbalances in the brain. Symptoms are categorized based on age; adults, adolescents, and

younger children. Universal symptoms include: angry feelings, negative thoughts, and inability
to cope with the stressors of life. Regardless of the cause or symptoms, Mental Health America
hints at the fact many individuals can live a normal life if they seek help (Mental Illness and the
Family: Recognizing Warning Signs and How to Cope).
Mental Health America offers a variety of help options, including links and numbers, as well as
ways to cope with depressive emotions. Handling mental illnesses extends beyond just an
individuals control. In many cases, ones family members become involved. The means of
help include: accepting your feelings, Handling unusual behavior, establishing a support
network, seeking counseling, and taking time out.
Mental Health America, a non-profit organization with a long history of helping individuals live
healthier lives, free of mental and psychological problems since 1909. The thesis of the article is
more of a goal, to help individuals and family members seek help for their mental illness. This
thesis is supported by the statement, Mental Illness in the Family: Part 1 Recognizing the
Warning Signs & How to Cope. This may be a title but it makes an important point that this is
only one in a series of pamphlets on helping family members with mental illness, insinuating
that a plethora of other pamphlets and sources are available for use in coping with mental illness.
Other quotes:
Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and happen to someone else."
.make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others.
You may find yourself denying the warning signs, worrying what other people will think
because of the stigma, or wondering what caused your loved one to become ill.

Analysis: I found this article to be an easy read. I would not recommend it to anyone doing
research on mental illness. From my perspective, I totally disagree with everything they say.
From a scientific standpoint, many of the points they make and even the definitions and
symptoms they allude to are not founded and have no evidence to support them.