I think that anyone who has witnessed the decline of a person suffering from schizophrenia, will have little doubt that there is such a thing as mental illness. The same applies to bi-polar affective disorder.
Whilst these illnesses are currently diagnosed through interview and observation of behaviour, this will probably not always be the case as there is an underlying biological mechanism.
However, statistics quoted by the author of claims that 20% of people will suffer from a mental illness in any one year are the same as saying that 80% of people will suffer from a a physical illness in any one year. If you include every cough, cold or twinge of back pain then this would be true too.
I too have noticed the trend to pathologies what is perfectly normal human experience and behaviour. The tendency to diagnose as "depressed" and prescribe anti depressants for every one who is unhappy is just one example. However, a genuine clinical depression with psychotic features where the person may have totally lost touch with reality is most definitely mental illness.

Reality is subjective.

I have often flirted on the edges of conventional reality (Not always with the assistance of drugs), and I believe sanity is a choice. I have often chosen melancholy as I like it. For long periods of time its been in vogue for me. People could likely think I was depressed, but it's just my disposition. Happiness isn't all it's cracked up to be, it's just one emotion afterall, there are many others to explore.

I think any emotion deserves a period of excess. Excess is something I have great respect for, it's the essence of life.

I can think of nothing more luxurious than retiring to the confines of my own mind, and checking into some sort of hospital, getting off the world as it were. But I have kids now, and they would miss me. So, again, my 'sanity' is a choice. Maybe I can look forward to a very ecentric old age.

Actually that was the one thing that did hit me at the birth of my first child. That suicide was no longer an option. I had forfeited the right to self-determination. People who I have told this to give me funny looks, but it was honestly the most significant thing (among others of course) that occured to me at the time.

I toy with the idea of suicide routinely. It's just a habit. I think of all sorts of unique ways, and imagine the silence afterwards.

But it's no indication of my mental 'health'. What is healthy, what is normal? These trivial subjective things are given far too much weight in this world.

I do enjoy the irony of a society that discourages drug use for recreational purposes but encourages it at every turn for people who explore their thoughts and emotions to excess.

We have people using drugs to numb or mask emotion, who are looked down upon, but when someone enjoys their emotions and luxuriates in melancholy they push drugs down them quick smart.

I suppose it's mostly about making sure people are better company.

Who wants to be normal?

Mental illness is created when we constantly think about why we think we are feeling a particular way. The ‘job’ description of our lower mind is to constantly look for pain and problems.

The problem is, that we have been trained by our schooling systems to constantly be stuck in this part of our mind which analyzes everyone and everything. Every time we stop a sensational feeling of an emotion, we automatically begin thinking about why we think we are feeling that way.

We are only ever thinking or feeling – as soon as we stop an uncomfortable feeling sensation of resistance, back our mind goes to analyzing why we are feeling that way. People need to know how to manage their resistant emotional and sensual energy so they can instantly get out of the lower mind and start feeling sensationally connected.

Doing this one thing ends depression forever. Remember: you are only ever thinking or feeling – and you get to choose. More of my featured articles (and media connections) are available at http://nharmony.co.nz/news.htm

I have also created a Sensational Self Development free video series including titles such as:
Why You Feel Like a Square Peg in a Round Hole
Why Arguing Your Point NEVER Works!
Masculine & Feminine Energy Management
Doing This ONE Thing Will Change Your Life Forever!
...available for you to view now at: http://SensationalSelfDevelopment.com

Wishing you the best,
Jacqui

Posted by Rhys Jones, Friday, 5 August 2011 12:05:33 PM

" ... Whilst these illnesses are currently diagnosed through interview and observation of behaviour, this will probably not always be the case as there is an underlying biological mechanism. ... "

Yes, that's very true in my experience. Schizophrenia, and not that serious med scientists call it that anymore in recognition of the multiple differing underlying pathologies that appear to be involved, is very responsive to the antagonisation of D2 on the Dopamine Transporter, as well as the antagonisation of 5HT2A on the Seratonin transporter, not to mention the pleasures of agonisation of the MetaboGlutamate system, and "we" keenly await new developments in this area.

..

*Houellebecq*

Generally, a healthy brain is capable of a dynamic range of expressions and emotions. As soon as we get bogged down in the same repetitive thoughts and feelings, which can certainly be exacerbated or alternatively assisted by cognitive behaviours, then we are often indicating poor brain health and fitness.

Not sliding a regular fully formed turd can also be indicative of brain health issues.

;-)

..

There are a number of quality, legal pharmaceuticals in addition to self medicating with illicits that can help give a tweak back to a more vibrant and healthy, kick up your heels and enjoy a fuller range of life activity which whilst it can be an exhausting inquiry getting the right occasional pill to keep the individual wet web functioning optimally, like other aspects of personal health maintenance it can be very rewarding.

..

I myself got a great lift recently when I got on the

*Swisse Magnesium Citrate* and some *Nature's Own Kelp*

for magnesium

(which has been evidenced to mitigate the severity of symptoms in my condition)

and iodine supplementation. I wish I had of known about those two beauties 15 - 20 years ago. Had I known, I would have suffered far less. But alas, it was not to be.

nothing new here - see Deviance Reality and Society published in the 60s. pity that almost 50 years later we still have not learnt

For over a year I suffered from thyroid deficiency. As well as physical symptoms (dry skin and fatigue) I suffered from depression and mounting paranoia. From the moment the condition was diagnosed and I took my first supplement tablet I was in absolutely no doubt that I had had a biochemical problem which had been affecting my mind, and that I was now returning to normal.

Physical illnesses CAN be psychosomatic, so maybe mental conditions can be too; but if someone I knew was wildly irrational, inexplicably moody, or pathologically depressed I would have no hesitation in sending them off for a blood test and -- if the results were negative -- for a CAT scan. The brain is an organ like any other; and any organ can suffer physiological malfunction or damage.

Blaming mental disorders on social or political causes risks perpetuating misery for no good reason.