Mental Illness

Mental illness is "any of various conditions characterized by impairment
of an individual's normal cognitive, emotional, or behavioral functioning,
and caused by social, psychological, biochemical, genetic, or other factors,
such as infection or head trauma." (The
Free Dictionary)

Examples of mental illnesses include schizophrenia, manic depression (bi-polar
disorder), obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and panic disorder.

Myths about Mental Illness

• National
  Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - has a list of myths about mental illness.
• Myths
  About Mental Illness - by Alexander B. Morrison appeared in the October 2005 Ensign.
  It addresses such myths as "all mental illness is caused by sin", "someone is to blame
  for mental illness", "all that people with mental illness need is a priesthood blessing",
  and more.
• When Someone You Love is Depressed - handout from BYU Women's Conference includes information on LDS myths about depression and mental illness

Information by Illness

• National
  Alliance on Mental Illness - This list from NAMI
• WebMD.com -
  has a huge list of mental health issues by topic, including eating disorders,
  ADHD, and more.
• National Alliance for Research on
  Schizophrenia and Depression - largest group supporting scientific research on
  behavior disorders.

Resources

• Easing
  the Burdens of Mental Illness - by Dawn and Jay Fox appeared in the October
  2001 Ensign.

Illness-specific links

The following links have to do with specific mental illness. This isn't a complete
list by any standard. If you know of reputable links that can be included on specific
types of mental illness, please post them below.

Eating Disorders

• National
  Eating Disorders Assiciation - has lots of articles relating to ED.
  Check out especially What
  not to do when working with males and males with eating disorders (article
  targets school teachers, but has application for church leaders). Articles on
  this website are available in PDF for handouts.
• Dads and Daughters - has
  lots of articles on how fathers (living with daughters or away) can be a positive
  influence on their daughter(s)'s self-image. Teaches fathers how to avoid
  unconsciously demeaning women. The DAD-Q
  test is especially telling.
• Anorexia Nervosa and Related
  Eating Disorders - statistics and lots more information on ED, including
  warning signs.

Depression

• National
  Institute of Mental Health - information from the US government's National Institute of
  health on depression. Addresses issues such as depression in the elderly, causes
  of depression, and symptoms.
• What
  not to do when working with males and males with eating disorders - This article
  at WebMD.com addresses how men and women exhibit the symptoms of depression
  differently. Basically, men usually get mad; women usually get sad.
• Depression and
  Bipolar Support Alliance - has information on depression and some notes on what
  you can do to help someone who is depressed.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• OCD Online - articles by Dr.
  Stephen Phillipson, clinical psycologist.

Bipolar Disorder

• Depression
  and Bipolar Support Alliance - has information on symptoms, treatment, and
  types of Bipolar disorder.

LDS Family Services

• LDS
  Family Services - official website. Has a comprehensive list of LDS Family Services
  worldwide.
• LDS
  Family Services: Articles - list of online articles and resources from LDS Family Services

Disclaimer: This document is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant
to serve as medical advice or to replace consultation with your physician or mental
health professional.

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