MENTAL health is one of the most misunderstood terms in our society today. There is also stigma attached to it. Many people do not like to talk about it nor be part of it. There may be a sense of denial.
The World Health Organization defines mental health as the way we act, feel or act in any given situation. It is not just the absence of a mental disorder but how we look at ourselves and others. It is also how we meet the demands of every life.
As I have mentioned over and over, stresses and problems are “normal.” Everyone has them. No one is exempted. We just need to know to handle all of these problems.
No more stigma!
Having a mental disorder means having a medical condition that affects thought processes, perception of reality or judgment that result in a disturbed behavior, suffering or distress, decline in functioning and inability to cope with work and maintaining relationships.
There are many kinds of mental disorders. Some of the most common mental disorders are depression, anxiety and psychosis.
Impulse Control Disorders is one category in mental disorders. Some examples of impulse control disorders are pyromania and kleptomania.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), 5th edition, impulse control disorders include conditions involving problems in emotional or behavioral regulation. These disorders are unique in that these problems are manifested in behaviors that violate the rights of others. It also brings the individual into significant conflict with societal norms or authority figures.
Pyromania is defined as one of the impulse control disorders in which a person sets fire on purpose and finds great satisfaction in doing so in more than one occasion.
A person experiencing this mental disorder may have fascination with and interested in or attraction to fire and its situational contexts. They find pleasure and gratification when setting fires or witnessing it. Pyromania occurs more in males especially those with poorer social skills and learning disabilities.
Kleptomania is another impulse control disorder in which a person has the compulsion to steal not motivated by obvious personal gain.
Individuals with kleptomania may also experience pleasure, gratification or relief at the time of committing the theft. The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance or a response to a hallucination or delusion. They typically also attempt to resist the impulse to steal and they are aware that the act is wrong and senseless. Sometimes they also feel guilty about the thefts and feel depressed. Most often women outnumber men.
Causes for these disorders are still unknown. But there are theories that there may be changes in the brain.
If you feel that a family member or friend may have these disorders, please talk to them and encourage them to consult with a psychiatrist, psychologist or a mental health professional. A psychiatrist will evaluate, diagnose if they have these conditions and can help in treating them.
For inquiries or for more information, you may also email this columnist at jet.octaviano@gmail.com.