FAQs on Social Awareness

How can educating people on mental illness help?

• People will become aware of mental illness, and cases will not be ignored.

• Individuals will seek professional help and will get treatment

• Family members/relatives will not blame each other for the onset of mental illness and hence avoid delay in treatment.

• Stigma will be reduced.

• A person will have a better, more productive, and more satisfying emotional life in society.

How to take help and handle questions and suggestions from relatives and neighbours?

• Identify 2-3 persons (neighbours and relatives) who are accountable, ready to help, take responsibility, and can be available in an emergency (Support system).

• It is better to give all important information to support system persons.

• For the rest, depending on the situation, one can frame a generalized answer, e.g., "X is feeling low and weak and will be back to normal within the next few weeks." There may not be a need to give detailed answers.

• In case of suggestions from others, check the science, reliability, practicability, desirable and undesirable outcomes, contradictions with the ongoing treatment, etc., and consult the treating professional for guidance if required.

How do we manage the expectations of society?

Suppose one is clear about one's mission (good mental health of the person with mental illness and the carer) and is working towards that in the right direction by putting 100% effort. In that case, one does not need to worry about society's expectations. Social performance standards exist, regardless of illness, and people would say something or another.

Can a patient look for a life partner/spouse if symptom-free?

• The answer to this question varies from case to case. The factors to be considered are

  • Is the patient independently functioning?

  • Can the patient take and handle responsibilities in relationships related to marriage?

  • Does the patient understand and respond to the emotional requirements of another person?

  • Has the patient gained insight?

  • Is the patient open enough to give and discuss information about their mental illness with the potential partner and the extended circle?

  • Is the patient confident?

  • Can the patient have children if that is a choice? Can they bring them up?

• One must provide information regarding mental illness history to the potential partner and the extended circle in a straightforward manner and ensure that they have understood it.

• If one hides information regarding mental illness, one can expect stressful situations in the future. There are fewer chances of such marriages working out as trust is compromised at the outset.

Can a person with a mental health condition aim for higher goals?

Both patient and carer must remember that not every goal is achievable. One may have to adjust the goal and be satisfied with attaining a lesser goal. The goal must be personal and not in comparison with others. One can feel satisfaction even after a goal adjustment, knowing they aimed for it and achieved it despite challenges.