What they do not recognize is that the brain is part of the body. It, too, can be attacked by disease. If someone has a thorough medical examination and there are no obvious causes for these feelings, there may be a mental health explanation. The brain is not physically functioning in a normal way. The person's understanding of mental health treatment is equally important.
Many people believe that mental illness is incurable and unalterable.
This is not so. The literature clearly shows that the majority of people with a mental health problem are helped a great deal. In most cases they are able to function normally after receiving medication, therapy or a combination of both treatments. If the person has had treatment in the past, the person may have had an unsuccessful, or even hurtful, experience with a mental health professional, an agency or rehabilitation program. It is important to know the array of services in the community, so that the person can be referred to a resource that is an appropriate alternative.