THE MENTAL HEALTH SERIES

It’s the holiday season all over again. It’s all glitz and glamour but not for those diagnosed with mental and addiction disorders in that at this point in time they may likely get relapses. A relapse is a state whereby individuals experience a setback of reoccurrence of symptoms after they have been well managed for some time. Individuals diagnosed with mental illness must not feel bad about relapsing as it happens with many of the chronic illnesses. People diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension and asthma consistently relapse but there is never a point wherein they are castigated for that! The relapses are often facilitated by the following; Non-compliance to treatment Hiding the diagnosis from family members because of their over judgemental and denialism attitude Non-acceptance by family members Family members wanting to go for holiday and rooting for unjustified admissions for patients Stigmatising tendencies from care givers and community members Stress related to finances In order to avoid relapses a lot should be done and all should play a role. Early signs of an impending relapse should be addressed promptly by going to a mental health professional for assessment and management. It is essential that treatment be taken as ordered at all times and individuals should ensure they have enough supply for the holiday period. Family members should play an active supportive role to avoid relapses and be cognisant of the fact that relapses are not “self-inflicted” and can occur even when taking treatment properly. It is important for those diagnosed with addiction disorders to be wary of association especially with those they used drugs with, lest they hoodwink them into using substances again. It also important to avoid places where drugs are easily available as that could be tempting. Lastly those recovering from addiction disorders should know their “triggers” and how to deal with cravings especially since during the holiday season plenty of substances are “readily” available. “The Mental Health Series” wishes all the readers a mentally healthy and a prosperous holiday period! Thank you for the interaction and support.