Why You Should Educate Yourself About Mental Illness

Unless you are a psychiatrist or a mental health related professional, you should not be diagnosing yourself or others. Save that job for the medical professionals. We have another job for you… Educate yourself as much as you can on all things mental health related. It is important to learn about mental illness so you can know the warning signs for you and/or your loved ones. Learn the difference between feeling sad and depressed or even Bipolar I and Bipolar II. Along with the education of the mental illnesses themselves, you should learn how to support your loved ones if needed. Know or save crisis hotlines and local services. Ask them to write your name on the emergency contact information. Let them know that you are here for them. Help them and yourself separate what is the “norm” for you and what is out of the “norm.” Be aware when you or a friend are not feeling like themselves. Awareness is key. Ask questions, stay updated, and don’t judge.  Unfortunately not everyone with a mental illness is aware of their illness and you can’t read everyone’s mind. But, It is important to try to understand your or your loved one’s needs so they can feel loved, accepted, supported and not alone. Being aware of possible warning signs, knowing resources, and learning how to educate yourself in a mental health crisis can save a loved one’s life. 

To educate yourself about mental illness, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), has great information on the different mental illnesses, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, etc. Check out their site to learn more:

https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education

Some of the different mental illnesses we previously discussed on our Instagram Stories:

Anxiety Disorder(s): https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders

Depression:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Borderline-Personality-Disorder

Bipolar Disorder: 

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Bipolar-Disorder

Schizophrenia: 

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Schizophrenia

PTSD:

https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder

If you want to learn more or are interested in mental health crisis training, check out our resources page at the link.