I have a simple proposal for all of those psychology majors out there, especially the ones who study the abnormal stuff. You know, the sides of people that everyone has in common, the sides some people have a harder time dealing with.
There is a theory going around the psychology circles about brain chemistry and genetic predisposition toward mental illnesses. As someone who is looking very keenly into the MSW (Master’s of Social Work), I would ask someone in that field to offer definitive proof that this theory exists. I tend to find a lot of people talking about “It runs in the family…” or “It’s brain chemistry.” But there is no evidence that this is true. It came as a shock to me when I was doing research over many, many sites and realized that no one has offered up concrete evidence, which in some circles of science means that it is merely a hypothesis.
Now, I can offer something for the people who are wondering “What causes family/friend/me to suffer depression/bipolar/etc?” The answer would be a combination of things. Nothing as easy as brain chemistry. The solution is a lot more sticky, and much more organic. It is also full of hope in a way that a DNA strand isn’t.
The roots of mental illnesses probably lie in the same roots as many other illnesses and diseases: stress. Having a lack of people to talk to who will take the time to care. Love from peers and family. Another culprit is the day-to-day grind that seems to wear down everyone when they are out of their element, alone and frustrated. The cause of mental illness isn’t solely a physical disorder. It could easily be a need to connect with someone, and a response from your mind to relax the pressure that has been building up over terms of stress.
Example: Say you’re hearing voices. They chat with you all night long, and it seems like there is no way out. Well, it’s good to deal with these things. Ignoring them won’t make them go away. The question of whether medication is needed is a valid one and beyond my scope to answer. The key is, if you do you probably won’t need it forever. In a study that measured recovery from schizophrenia (more severe than depression in symptoms), it showed an average of 58 percent recovered or significantly improved over five years. Knowing that your illness isn’t a permanent factor (which the genetic angle enforces), frees one to achieve greatness, without the mental stigma that goes along with a damaging self-concept. When it is declared that “Nick” has depression due to stress and lack of compassion in his life, then recovery seems so much more possible than if “Nick” is stuck with that genetic weakness. So, for everyone outside the norm, cheer up.
When you look outside the box, there’s another world waiting to be explored.
Will Brundage is a student at the University of Oregon