As we know, there are several factors that contribute to a person’s affliction of mental illness. Some of these factors have to do with social factors, physical or biological factors, and psychological factors. Social factors are those that are brought about by the environment, physical or biological factors are related to genetics, while psychological factors are the other illnesses that can be compounded with a particular mental disorder.

In a nut shell, we only know very little about mental illnesses because we are not very exposed to these things. Do you know of myths and truths about mental illnesses? I sure do. There are popular misconceptions about mental illnesses that should be set straight, once and for all. Among these are the following:

All those who are afflicted with mental illness are violent people.

Of course not. Not all mentally ill individuals are violent, in fact, some of them are meek and timid and shy and withdrawn. The only reason why they have had mental illness is because of the environment they have grown up in.

People with mental illness are poor.

Contrary to this belief, mental illness cuts across all classes, all sectors, all races and all religions. Thus, we say that mentally ill people are actually diverse. There is no one trend to the type of people who are afflicted with mental illness, but certainly, their status in life has nothing to do with their illnesses.

Mental illness is caused by a weak character

Definitely not. Having a mental illness is not a free choice, though recuperating from it may be easier if the person who is afflicted with it has a strong character. Nevertheless, it is wrong to say that it is brought about by weak character.

Some people may not be aware of it, but Cannabis, a plant used for medicinal purposes, also contains particles that have certain psychoactive properties. This psychoactive property produces the ‘high” associated with marijuana. Recent breakthroughs in the field of psychology and psychiatry claim that teens who use Cannabis have higher risks of suffering from psychosis come adulthood. Consequently, psychosis is likely to trigger mental disorders for them.

The methodology, researchers shared, involved interviewing teens who have used cannabis. Reportedly, a whopping number of those who participated in the study displayed at least three symptoms of psychosis. According to researchers, these symptoms included (1) feeling like something strange or inexplicable was taking place, (2) suspecting they were being influenced or followed and (3) difficulty in controlling the speed of their own thoughts.

British scientists have been worrying about the harmful effects of this drug to those who actively use it. Now, the authorities have a stronger hold on making this drug less accessible to the public, as this drug is already prohibited in other countries. However, most teens and young adults would still undoubtedly find means to get hold of this particular drug.

As studies progressed, researchers found out that girls are more diligent in using cannabis than the boys are.

More and more findings which prove that the use of Cannabis can cause serious mental hazards to those who are using it. Scientists are showing concern at the apparent nonchalance about the issue, as some parents and authoritative figure seem to allow the teens to use the drug. Moreover, a law to prohibit the drug is yet to be passed as a law.

Mental health is the balance between all aspects of life. It goes without saying that mental health is vital in order to maintain a stronghold on our ability to keep our strong sense of well-being. In contrast to the concept of mental health is that of a mental illness—a disorder or sets of disorders that impairs our ability function well and to keep ourselves atone with our everyday routines and activities.

In line with the upsurge of teens with mental illnesses or mental disorders is the possibility of teen suicide. Because teens display a complex behavior that parents often misunderstand and misinterpret, there comes the necessity for parents to look for the telltale signs that should watch out for, just to make sure that their teens are not suicidal, or is not suffering from some kind of mental illness.

A marked personality change or a marked shift in eating and sleeping patterns, excessive anxieties, mood swings that border on the extremes, and abuse of alcohol and drugs are among the signs that parents should look out for. Meanwhile, graver signs that may need more serious attention include recurrent talk about suicide, frequent run-ins with accidents, self-mutilation, and sadistic rituals to animals.