There aren't cures for mental disorders, but there are definitely treatments. The best way to look at this is to understand that your brain is a part of your body, much like your heart or other organs. So when you have a problem with your heart you may have to take medication, but you also have to watch what you eat, exercise, not drink large amounts of alcohol, not smoke and take care of other things outside of your heart to try to maintain your health. With a mental disorder it is a similar type of maintenance to make sure you are healthy. With a professional you have to find whatever treatment works best for you, find what you can do to maintain that treatment and adjust to the changes throughout your life. People with diabetes take insulin everyday, but also watch their blood sugar level and look for signs that they may not be doing well. People with mental disorders must continue their treatment, but also learn their warning signs, such as lack of sleep, mind racing thoughts, negative thoughts, or other problems that can lead to an episode, so that they can work on recognizing when they may be experiencing a disorder and know what to do if it is happening.
Answered by
Deepthi
, an ibibo Master,
at
10:18 AM on November 21, 2008