The recent brutal death of Troy Connor, who had some mental health issues has focused the spotlight on the care and management of individuals who have mental challenges in Anguilla. The general consensus is that we, as a community in Anguilla can do more for individuals with mental illnesses.
What is a mental illness?
Mental illness refers to a group of disorders that affect the way a person thinks, feels and acts. Mental illnesses include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety and personality disorders. Some mental illnesses involve the experience of psychosis (where a person loses touch with reality) and some do not.
Who can get a mental illness?
Mental illness is more common than you may think. Mental illness directly affects many individuals in Anguilla and many others indirectly. It is felt across all sections of society on the island. It can affect relationships, the ability to work, and participation in, and enjoyment of, life.
What causes mental illness?
There is some evidence that mental illness is caused by a combination of biological factors that create a vulnerability. Genetics play a part, but people can develop a mental illness with no family history at all. We know that chemical changes occur that affect the functioning of the brain (Both dopamine and serotonin are involved.) People who are vulnerable to mental illness may experience symptoms in response to stress, social change or drugs.
Is recovery possible?
Yes. Advancements in medication are continually improving the outlook for individuals with a mental illness. Along with psychological and social supports, a majority can live active and fulfilled lives.
How will I know if someone is developing a mental illness?
Early warning signs differ from person to person, but some common signs are when a person’s behaviour changes (either suddenly or gradually) and he or she becomes unusually suspicious, anxious, depressed, irritable or angry.
The person may experience mood swings, sleeplessness, loss of motivation and energy, changes in eating patterns and memory loss. Family and friends will notice changes in a person’s behaviour, often with disruption to a person’s work or study and to a person’s energy levels and sociability. These symptoms can sometimes be a reaction to life events or changes, especially for people in adolescence; but, if in doubt, seek advice from a health care professional. Early intervention is better for all concerned.
Care of an individual with a mental illness
Mental illness affects the normal functioning of the brain. Medication is therefore the cornerstone of treatment and recovery. However, medication alone does not help a person to deal with the loss of skills that occurs as a result of illness.
Psychosocial rehabilitation, in conjunction with medication, has been proven to improve the prognosis of people diagnosed with mental illness. Day programmes, and residential rehabilitation programmes, are important in the management of the individual with a mental illness.
Psychological treatments (therapies) can also be useful once the person is stabilized on medication.
A supportive family and a social and vocational environment are other important components of recovery.
Relatives and family friends of individuals who have a mental illness should seek as much information as possible about the mental illness their family member experiences. They should use conferences, the internet, and various organisations to collect material that will enable them to understand the issues they are facing.
Is care of individuals with mental illness adequate in Anguilla?
The question of the care of the patient with a mental illness in Anguilla often arises. The absence of a resident psychiatrist negatively impact care of these individuals. Despite the many information programmes relating to mental illness, there is still much stigma and discrimination in the care and management of individuals with mental illnesses. Some individuals in Anguilla still view mental illness as a form of religious punishment or demonic possession – and sometimes some individuals seek help from other persons who have no health care training, for example the obeah man!
Mental illness is a complex issue and successful treatment often incorporates multiple types of therapy. Many psychological disorders have biological components best treated with medication, cognitive components that respond well to psychotherapy, or socioeconomic components that may be addressed through social welfare support. Successful public mental health intervention at the community level requires access to services that address all facets of mental illness. There is need for more integration of all these agencies dealing with mental health so as to improve the care of individuals with mental illnesses in Anguilla.
Conclusion
Individuals in Anguilla cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the care of individuals who have some mental health challenges. When a community cannot adequately care for its most vulnerable groups it shatters the myth that we are a caring and Christian community. At this time we do not know why Troy Connor was brutally murdered but we do know that he had some mental illness issues. And if we as a community are not alarmed and shocked that a young man with a mental illness should be killed in such a horrible way, then our very existence as a caring, peaceful community is being rocked at its very foundation. We must do more for all those individuals who have mental illnesses and ensure that they receive adequate care. We must stop the incessant talk and start acting today. Each one of us has a role to play.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in the Johnson Building in The Valley.
