Mental illness is a biological condition that affects the brain and it’s functioning. It affects a person’s ability to think as well as their emotions, mood and at times, judgement. Mental illness often impairs a person’s ability to relate to others as well as how they function in their daily lives. Because the brain is is highly complex, each person experiencing mental illness can have different symptoms and experiences, even people with the same diagnosis.

 

 

A mental illness isn’t the result of one factor, research strongly suggests it has multiple overlapping causes. Biochemical processes and structure of the brain play a major role; genetics, environment and lifestyle can all influence whether someone develops a mental illness. Environmental factors in our lives like trauma can also make people more susceptible to developing certain type of mental illness such as depression and anxiety. 

 

 

Recovery is a little different for every one because it means finding a new normal, a new normal FOR YOU. It means finding new ways of functioning so that we can continue to move forward and pursue what makes life meaningful for us. Recovery DOES NOT MEAN returning to exactly the way you were before you became mentally ill. Mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression affect the body just like cardiac problems, diabetes and asthma. These conditions all make it necessary to find new ways of functioning.