You may no longer enjoy things that used to be fun. Social activities take too much effort. Everything you do may feel like a drain. Thinking about mental illness this way may be very different for you. Character defects, defects in families or lack of will or motivation is not the cause of mental illness.
Mental illness occurs because of changes both inside and outside of a person.
These changes affect the chemical and electrical activity in the brain. Despite these brain changes, and the presence of emotional symptoms, there are things that one can do to decrease these symptoms. The stigma of mental illness may keep you, or others like you, from getting help. The concern about being labeled as weak or unfit is a real concern for many with common and easily treated mental health problems. Remember that mental health problems result from improper brain function.