The truth about mental illness: how to live with it

Summary

In this video, Dr. Orion Terban discusses the truth about mental illness, focusing on two major misconceptions. First, he explains that mild mental health issues often resolve on their own over time, a phenomenon known as spontaneous remission. However, for moderate to severe mental illnesses, management is crucial as these conditions may not be curable but can be controlled, much like chronic diseases such as diabetes. Dr. Terban shares his personal journey with depression, emphasizing the importance of behavioral and cognitive changes in managing mental health, and encourages viewers to approach mental illness with acceptance and active management.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mental illness, especially mild cases, often resolves on its own without intervention, a phenomenon known as 'spontaneous remission.'
• 😀 Many mild mental health issues (e.g., feeling down, unmotivated, or stressed) may improve within 6 to 12 months, even without therapy or medication.
• 😀 Moderate to severe mental illnesses may not resolve naturally and can worsen over time if left unmanaged.
• 😀 Mental illness is not like a physical infection that can be cured permanently but is more like a chronic disease that requires ongoing management.
• 😀 Similar to diabetes, mental illnesses may need lifelong management, with proper lifestyle changes and ongoing effort to maintain mental health.
• 😀 Effective management of a chronic illness (like diabetes) can make symptoms practically invisible, even if the underlying condition is still present.
• 😀 Just like with diabetes, if individuals with mental illness stop managing their condition properly, symptoms can resurface, leading to an acute episode.
• 😀 The key to managing chronic mental illness is to make continuous behavioral and cognitive changes, ensuring the illness doesn't impact daily life.
• 😀 Dr. Orion Terban shares his own personal experience with severe depression, emphasizing that it's a lifelong vulnerability, not a permanent state.
• 😀 By accepting his mental health challenges and making lifestyle changes, Dr. Terban has successfully managed his depression, preventing it from resurfacing.
• 😀 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles are used to change thoughts and behaviors, which can improve mental health and prevent relapse.

Q & A

What is spontaneous remission in the context of mental illness?

Spontaneous remission refers to the natural resolution of mild mental health issues, such as feeling down, unmotivated, or stressed, without any intervention. Research shows that these issues often resolve themselves within 6 to 12 months, regardless of whether someone seeks therapy or takes medication.

Does therapy or medication always speed up the resolution of mild mental illness?

It is unclear whether therapy or medication significantly speeds up the resolution of mild mental illness. Studies have not conclusively determined whether these interventions lead to faster recovery compared to doing nothing.

How does moderate to severe mental illness differ from mild mental illness in terms of recovery?

Unlike mild mental illness, moderate to severe mental illness may not resolve on its own and can worsen over time without intervention. These conditions often require ongoing management and may not have a definitive cure.

Why is mental illness compared to chronic diseases like diabetes?

Mental illness is compared to chronic diseases like diabetes because both may require lifelong management. Just as diabetes can't be 'cured' but can be managed with lifestyle changes, mental illnesses may not be eradicated but can be controlled to improve one's quality of life.

What is the key difference between 'invisible' and 'eradicated' in the context of managing mental illness?

When mental illness becomes 'invisible,' it means the symptoms are well-managed and do not interfere with daily life, but the illness still exists. In contrast, 'eradicated' would imply the illness is completely gone, which, for chronic mental conditions, is generally not the case.

What are some strategies Dr. Orion terban used to manage his depression?

Dr. Orion terban managed his depression through a combination of behavioral and cognitive changes. He stopped using drugs, formed healthy relationships, engaged in regular exercise, maintained a nutritious diet, and found a purpose in life. He also adopted cognitive strategies like silencing his inner critic and confronting self-limiting beliefs.

What role does acceptance play in managing long-term mental health?

Acceptance plays a crucial role in managing long-term mental health. By accepting that he may always be vulnerable to depression, Dr. terban avoids behaviors that could trigger a relapse. This acceptance helps him remain vigilant and proactive in maintaining his well-being.

Can severe mental illnesses ever truly go away?

In many cases, severe mental illnesses may not completely go away. They often require ongoing management, and while symptoms can become invisible with proper management, they can resurface if the management strategies are neglected.

What is the connection between cognitive changes and behavioral changes in mental health management?

Cognitive changes, like adopting a growth mindset and challenging negative beliefs, support behavioral changes, such as making healthier life choices. This combination of changing both thoughts and actions is key to managing mental illness and improving overall well-being.

Why does Dr. Orion terban emphasize the importance of managing lifestyle and emotional health?

Dr. terban emphasizes managing lifestyle and emotional health because both factors significantly contribute to mental well-being. By focusing on physical health, forming meaningful relationships, and maintaining emotional stability, individuals can create a resilient foundation to prevent mental illness from resurfacing.