health sectionhealth sectionThere are different levels of mental disability. Some mentally disabled people are completely incapable of functioning in society while others are capable of leading mostly normal lives. Empowering mentally disabled individuals promotes confidence and improves their quality of life. If you know any mentally disabled individuals, there are several things you can do to help empower these individuals and give them the confidence they need to make decisions and learn new skills.
When individuals choose not to eat for a prolonged period (a mental disorder known as anorexia nervosa whose physical symptoms mimic starvation), they take major risks physically, mentally and emotionally. When a doctor has to force-feed these patients to make them better, additional treatment is necessary, particularly in terms of mental-health care.
The term "mentally challenged" has been applied to describe people living with any condition that affects the functioning of the mind. This may mean developmental disorders, such as autism and dyslexia; mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder and depression; and mental retardation brought about by any number of causes. Part of the challenge is for the families affected by their loved ones' condition. By research and planning, using all available resources and building a support network, families can make life easier for themselves and their mentally challenged loved one.
Anorexia nervosa is a deadly mental illness usually occurring in teenage girls and less often in teenage boys and adult men or women. The condition is characterized by a morbid fear of being fat and an obsession with avoiding weight gain. Anorexics restrict their caloric intake by avoiding eating, excessive exercise or through vomiting, abuse of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or insulin. Despite losing weight, often to dangerous levels, the person experiences a distorted image of her own body, feeling fat despite evidence to the contrary.
Caring for a loved one who is mentally challenging is an awesome responsibility. Mental handicaps range from mild to severe in nature. It is important to understand as fully as possible the nature and extent of the person's illness in order to provide the best care possible. Establishing and implementing a plan of action is vital to being a successful caregiver.
Mental retardation is a limitation of a person's intellectual and physical abilities and varies from severe to mild. Conceptual skills like language, social skills like interaction with others and practical skills like self care are lacking in people classified as mentally retarded. Children labeled as such need special care to overcome social, intellectual and physical disabilities.
