CAN MENTAL ILLNESS BE "CURED"?
WellBeing|Issue 210
There are few experiences more daunting than being diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The question that often follows is whether such a diagnosis can be "cured". Clinical psychologist and researcher Dr Alissa Knight attempts to answer this complex question and describe the different ways recovery can be measured.
Dr Alissa Knight
CAN MENTAL ILLNESS BE "CURED"?

For some people, hearing the words "you have a mental health disorder" can mean instant relief and a sense of validation. As a clinical psychologist, I have also sat opposite a great number of people who have been shocked and grief-stricken by their diagnosis. But regardless of whether a person initially accepts or rejects their diagnosis, one question that almost always follows is: "Will I have this for life?", or "Can I recover from it?"

Diagnosing a mental health disorder follows, more or less, an objective process, but the improvement that follows treatment is much harder to measure. The answer of whether a person can "recover" from a mental health disorder has sparked a level of controversy over the years within the scientific community. There are indeed conflicting views between psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and mental health researchers. Some argue it is entirely possible to recover, while others suggest it is not. Largely, this is due to differing views on the following topics:

Neurological versus psychological disorders 

Clinical recovery versus personal recovery 

Neurological versus psychological disorders

When answering the question of whether someone may have a mental health disorder for life or not, it is helpful to decipher between whether it is a disorder of the mind - "the province of psychiatry", or a disorder of the brain - "the province of neurology".

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 210 من WellBeing.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة Issue 210 من WellBeing.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من WELLBEING مشاهدة الكل
SKY WALKING
WellBeing

SKY WALKING

Explore the untamed beauty of the Gondwana Rainforests, where pristine pockets of wilderness beckon with thundering waterfalls, misty forest trails and encounters with rare wildlife.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven
WellBeing

Unleash your sense of adventure in Shoalhaven

You won't fully appreciate the sheer size of the Shoalhaven region until you immerse yourself in its hidden treasures such as Jervis Bay, Huskisson, Berry, Mollymook and more.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
Plyometric tennis flow
WellBeing

Plyometric tennis flow

Low-amplitude plyometric training is the number-one reason why tennis players' bodies remain strong, resilient and injury-free well beyond their 40s. This versatile workout regimen can be performed anytime, anywhere. Simply find a court summon your determination and get moving

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 210
YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH
WellBeing

YOGA TO CONQUER THE FEAR OF DEATH

In a world of constant change, there's one immutable truth we all share: our inevitable encounter with death. Despite its universal presence, fear of mortality abounds, subtly shaping our lives and decisions. Through the lens of yoga and mindfulness, we discover pathways to confront this fear, unlocking a profound sense of peace and purpose in our existence.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD
WellBeing

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

Nostalgia is often touted as an unhelpful emotion, but recent research suggests reminiscing about the past can enrich our present and guide us towards a more fulfilling future.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
ANCIENT wayfinders
WellBeing

ANCIENT wayfinders

Amid modern challenges, indigenous wisdom may offer a path to healing. From fostering community bonds to embracing spiritual connections with nature, we explore the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in today's world.

time-read
7 mins  |
Issue 210
COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis
WellBeing

COMMUNITY & COOPERATION in the cost-of-living crisis

In the face of escalating living expenses and economic uncertainty, embracing mutual-aid initiatives and community-driven solutions can alleviate financial strain and foster resilience in times of need.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 210
On the men you
WellBeing

On the men you

Finding your personality revealed in the foods you choose from a menu might seem like a piece of New Age flummery, but there is research suggesting that your food choices might reveal more about you than you suspect.

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 210
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)
WellBeing

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatus)

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse with many sustainable healing benefits.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 210
Green Beat
WellBeing

Green Beat

All the latest in environmental issues

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 210