The negative impact on the person's overall functioning is
an effect of the mental illness and not the basis. The basis
(or) root cause of mental illness differs on a case basis and
should be identified as part of the diagnosis.
As for the
negative impact:
- It is true that having a mental illness may significantly
hamper a person's ability to carry out everyday activities
depending upon the severity of the mental illness.
- There is a lot of negativity surrounding the person having the
mental illness. Psychotherapy focuses mainly on the aspect of
reducing the negativity in an individual's life but is advised
based on the kind of mental disorder.
- Social stigma is a significant factor that contributes to a
person's condition to deteriorate. Portraying them as dangerous or
unstable is bound to cause a negative effect on the person's
ability to cope with the illness.
- There is a direct effect on the person's self-confidence,
self-esteem, and social standing when he/she is associated with a
mental illness and is stigmatized because of it.
- Due to the alteration in brain chemistry, there is an increased
chance of the individual not being able to take care of their
physical needs such as grooming or eating.
- Medications and stress management techniques too, work
differently for different people. It is important that the
individual is supported and loved throughout the period of illness.
There are chances of substance abuse and suicidal thoughts if the
individual is victimized.