Mental Health & Mental Ilness

By Joan James

This book is dedicated to all those persons endeavoring to acquire and maintain proper mental health, those experiencing poor mental health and mental illness and caregivers and supporters working assiduously to help those who are being affected. These caregivers and supporters include families, close friends, relatives and other supporters.
Also, to those in the medical field and other Health Professionals, for example, doctors, nurses, personal support workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, caseworkers, etc.
I salute all of you for the great job that you have been doing to empower individuals to experience proper mental health and to eradicate or greatly reduce mental illness. Personally, I want to say thanks on behalf of those persons and their families who lack the necessary platform and mental capacity to say “thanks.” Keep on fighting for this worthy cause.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joan James
• Release date: Sep 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9780995805545

Joan James

Joan M. James has also single-handedly written and successfully self-published a well sought-after book, entitled Marriage Is Under Fire – Don’t Stop Firing Back! This is instrumental in inspiring and empowering different individuals around the globe to have a richer and more meaningful relationship leading to marriage and those already in this covenant relationship. The topic not only covers those who are married, but also those who are desirous of getting married, and those who were married but their marital train has been derailed along the way.This book also educates others on how to restore and embrace the sanctity of this sacred covenant, by God’s design and that marriage is deeply embedded in love, sacrifice and commitment. It also seeks to bring about an awakening of the type of love that a man should have for his wife, i.e. one that is synonymous with the love that God has for His church. (Ephesians 5:25 says love that Christ has for his Church).In addition, in that book, Joan gave from a biblical perspective the principles surrounding marriage and exposes some of the tactical approaches which are being used in these attacks against marriage.Her e-book is globally available on various platforms, namely Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Kobo, Smash words, and Indigo/Chapters. Also, at her website, you can obtain both her e-book and physical copies at http://www.joanmjames.com/Email: [e-mail]: 647-723-2053 or 289-769-0339Joan is also the author of the book, “Forgiveness – A Tool That Unlocks God’s Favor,” in which she unravels the different components of the act of forgiveness, gives a clear explanation of forgiveness as a divine work of God that empowers us to release our enemies. She discusses the types of forgiveness and gives some valuable steps on releasing our enemies.She has also just completed another book and the title is "Mental Health And Mental Illness." Some of the areas covered in this book are as follows:a. An insightful look at the Aftermath of Covid19b. Differences between Mental Health and Mental Illnessc. Major contributing factors to Poor Mental Health And Mental Illnessd. Mindfulness & Resiliencye. Proper Self-Care, especially during Covid19f. The devastating effects of stress upon the bodyIn addition, she continuously writes inspiring and empowering blogs on her webpage and coaches other potential authors on “How to Write a powerful book and be Self-publishing.” She is quite passionate about helping to transform, empower and catapult individuals, especially women into their God-given destiny. Therefore, fulfilling their true purpose in life.She tends to draw on her experiences and insights when offering spiritual and practical guidelines on these subject matters. Hence, in addressing the notion of Forgiveness, specifically, she is well qualified. Personally, she has been through some major devastating storms in her life that could have become tragic. These storms are inclusive of major deceptions, resulting in much pain and scars – emotionally, psychologically, physical etc.Despite her devastating experiences, she did not develop a victim’s mentality nor did she allow her place of pain and brokenness to become her parking spot. Instead, she chose to release her enemies, adhered to God’s mandate to forgive, and rose above these traumatizing circumstances. Indeed, her faith kept her going and she is an overcomer through supernatural enablement. Now she is experiencing the fruits of her obedience and God’s favors in her life. She did not become bitter, but better instead. Joan also plays an important part in the lives of many who are broken since she possesses great inner strength. She is also an admirable woman whose very life answers the question from Proverbs 31: 10 “Who can find a virtuous woman, whose price is far above rubies?” The response to that question is definitely Joan M. James, without a doubt!Joan James was featured twice in the Destiny Magazine, “Leadership” Summer 2017: page 21 for the launching her book “Marriage Is Under Fire – Don’t Stop Firing Back!” Also, in the summer 2018 issue of this well recognized magazine, on pages 20 – 21, when she spoke in an interview about “The Strengthening of Marriage and how to counteract the current moral decay of the same, in today’s society.”She was also featured on a live Studio Program out of the San Souci Studio in Brooklyn, New York on September 2020 in an interview where she spoke extensively on Mental Health, Mental Illness and about her other books and current projects. Joan was also interviewed live on air by Streaming Praise Radio on October 2020. The focus of this interview was mainly on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Marriage. These are some of the topical subjects covered in some of her books.In addition, Joan James holds credentials in Technical Education from the University of Technology, Jamaica, and Legal Secretary training from Humber College, Toronto, Canada. She also attended York University in Toronto, Canada. Joan holds a BA in Psychology. She also attended the Ontario Psychotherapy and Counseling Association in Toronto, where she did some studies in Long-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. She continues her studies in her quest to become a licensed and registered Psychotherapist (encompassing Family and Marriage Counseling). Joan also holds credentials in Mindset Coaching. Joan currently works in the Department of Social Services and have been for over twenty (20) years.She currently resides in Canada and has two beautiful daughters and one granddaughter. Joan James is available for bookings on marriage, relationships, life-skills and empowerment sessions at seminars, conferences, singles and married groups, churches and other community groups (see contact details below).Website: http://www.joanmjames.com/Email: [e-mail] Number: 647-723-2053 or 289-769-0339Twitter: Joan James@JoanJam41470460Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmjlifelessonsLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/may-james-88037512aInstagram: @joan.james.777Tumblr: joanmjames.tumblrNB. A new launch date will be established for these two books, soona. Mental Health And Mental Illnessb. Forgiveness - A ToolThat Unlocks God's FavorJoan has many more books to be published in the foreseeable future and continues to write, as inspired.Most importantly, Joan is a woman of faith for over 30 years.

Book preview

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to all those persons endeavoring to acquire and maintain proper mental health, those experiencing poor mental health and mental illness and caregivers and supporters working assiduously to help those who are being affected. These caregivers and supporters include families, close friends, relatives and other supporters.

Also, to those in the medical field and other Health Professionals, for example, doctors, nurses, personal support workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, counselors, caseworkers, etc.

I salute all of you for the great job that you have been doing to empower individuals to experience proper mental health and to eradicate or greatly reduce mental illness. Personally, I want to say thanks on behalf of those persons and their families who lack the necessary platform and mental capacity to say thanks. Keep on fighting for this worthy cause.

FOREWORD

By George Peart

Once in a while, there comes along an insightful book and here is one. Joan James has done an exceptional piece of work on the topic of Mental Illness. Of the many books on Mental Illness, what makes Joan’s book different is that she ‘brings it home,’ that is, she writes of mental illness in a manner that the person in the street can understand what mental illness is and how it affects everyone.

For example, she argues that Mental Illness respects no one. It transcends all geographical borders, ages, sex, ethnicity and cultural back- grounds. It also transverses all educational, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Poor Mental Health can lead to Mental Illness and that is why it is very vital that the reader pay close attention to issues of Mental Health. The pervasiveness of mental illness in our society crosses all geographic borders, age, sex, ethnicity, religious and economic factors. Of even of greater importance, Joan calls attention not only to the pervasiveness of the disease, but also to how it effects our society when it is not detected and treated. Ms. James pointed out the range of disorders that M.I. covers, including Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Sleeping Disorders, Schizophrenia and even the common Anxiety and Depression.

Thank you, Joan for highlighting, identifying and bringing our attention to these mental issues that are so prevalent in our society and sad to say, in our family. James points out that many people with poor mental health have gone undiagnosed and this then further leads to Mental Illness.

Mental health has to do with a person’s psychological, emotional as well as social well-being. It encompasses our ability to properly manage our reaction to stress and taking care of our daily responsibilities/expectations. Also, it affects our perception of ourselves, others and things around you. If this is not given proper attention, it can lead to Mental Illness. Mental illness tends to affect one’s Cognitive Perception, Behavior and Emotional state.

There is a clear line of demarcation between Mental Health and Mental Illness, although the terms are widely used interchangeably and on a frequent basis.

I lift my hat to Joan, for bringing to the forefront these important issues in this must read and very enlightening book. Find a comfortable chair, open the book, let us educate ourselves on the subject of mental illness and its effects on our society.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1: Difference Between Mental Health & Mental Illness

a. Demographics

b. Genetics

c. Biological Factors

d. Life’s Experiences

e. Socio-Economic Factors

f. Stress Workplace or Occupational Factors

Chapter 2: Historical Context of Mental Illness

Chapter 3: Characteristics of Proper Mental & Poor Mental Health

Chapter 4: Factors Contributing to Poor Mental Health & Mental Illness

Chapter 5: The COVID19 Pandemic

Chapter 6: Aftermath of COVID19

Chapter 7: Effects of Poor Mental Health & Mental Illness on:

a. The Individual

b. The Family

c. The Workplace

d. The Economy

Chapter 8: Overcoming Poor Mental Health & Mental Illness

Chapter 9: Stigma/Taboos Associated with Poor Mental Health in Society

Chapter 10: Where to Find Help (References/Resources)

Chapter 11: Conclusion

Chapter 12: Afterword -The Author

Chapter 13: About the Author

PREFACE

Welcome to the book, Mental Health and Mental Illness. This book was written to bring about an awareness of the importance of paying close attention to Mental Health and Mental Illness.

At the point in time of writing this book, the pandemic of COVID19 is being experienced on a global scale. The material contained in this book is therefore quite necessary and meaningful. It also extends beyond this pandemic, even in the case of a Mental Illness Crisis. It also sheds more light in cases of major trauma, devastation, war, peril, separation, divorce, loss of a loved one and other devastating situations.

Also, the material is meant to further establish the fact that there is a distinct difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness. However, there is a correlation between both.

In addition, one of my major objectives is to bring about a further awareness of the level of stigmatization, discrimination and taboo attached to poor Mental Health and Mental Illness. Also, I desire to help fight against and eradicate the abovementioned through proper education with the correct information and not that of misinformation. This seeks to dismiss the myth that Mental Illness Is Not Curable, because cures have been scientifically proven and demonstrate this.

Lastly, but equally important, this book will serve as a catalyst to help those persons experiencing poor Mental Health and Mental Illness, their care- givers, relatives, close friends and other support groups to find Professional Help and valuable resources.

Within the scope of this book you will find ten (10) chapters, the Afterword and a section About the Author. Below is an overview of how the chapters are uniquely presented in a clear and concise manner:

•Definition of Mental Health and Mental Illness.

•Historical Context of Mental Illness.

•Characteristics of proper and poor Mental Health.

•Contributing factors to Poor Mental Health and Mental Illness.

•Different types of Mental Illness.

•Effects of Poor Mental Health and Mental illness on society, individuals, families, workplaces and economy.

•Stigmatization, discrimination and taboos attached to Mental Illness.

•Possible ways to overcome Poor Mental Health and Mental Illness, including mindfulness, self care, etc

Poor Mental Health and some Mental Illnesses are in fact curable if the proper diagnosis is given on time and with the necessary treatment and support system. However, some people, more than others, are pre-disposed to Mental Illness due to genetics. There are also other contributing factors namely environment, life experiences, socio-economic factors etc.

This is a self-help guide to Proper Mental Health and absence of Mental Illness. It is intended for information purposes only. The contents of its pages should not be used to replace the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and advice of your family doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist and other medical personnel.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I have acquired incredible joy in the compilation and writing of this very educational book, especially in this time of writing, during the pandemic of COVID19.

Personally, this book has helped to broaden my knowledge base of Mental Health and Mental Illnesses. This was acquired through extensive research of invaluable material and dedicating countless hours of work. Therefore, thanks be to God for His endowment of strength, wisdom, skills and abilities needed to make this book a reality. Also, I thank the Lord for the tenacity to work hard with a high sense of dedication.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. George S. Peart, former Professor of Sociology at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee in the USA. Dr. Peart has provided a very powerful Foreword, arising from his vast wealth of knowledge and experience. This has not gone unnoticed. Also, for reviewing and commenting on my first draft.

Thanks to my editor, Cherry R. Gorton, Adjunct Faculty for Bibliographic Instruction at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary Boston Campus in Massachusetts, USA. Cherry, you have done an excellent job in editing this book and have contributed greatly in getting it into a marketable state.

To my Technical Team, comprised of Bryan McFarlane and Michael Benjamin of Ontario, Canada, I just want to echo great thanks to you both as I highlight your individual contributions. To Bryan, thanks for working tirelessly in getting the interior of this book in such a readable and unique format. Michael, you have also worked hard and have brought a wide range of technical knowledge, skill set and competency into the completion of this book. Also, for making it available on various social media platforms including, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Indigo/Chapters, Smash-words and Kobo. These can also be obtained at my website at www.joanmjames.com In addition, heartful gratitude to my Printing Team from Printing Legacy, in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Thanks for working conscientiously to get the printed version of my book in a marketable state. Thanks for a job well done.

Finally, but certainly not the least, to be recognized is my family. You could not be excluded from this great opportunity to say a BIG thanks to you all, publicly. Special mention must be made of my two (2) beautiful daughters Keri-jo and Jodi-Anne, as well as my lovely granddaughter Amirah. I do love and greatly appreciate you all.

INTRODUCTION

Mental Illness respects no one. It transcends all geographical borders, ages, sex, ethnicity and cultural backgrounds. It also transverses all educational, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. Poor mental health can lead to Mental Illness and that is why it is vital that we pay close attention to our mental health. Many people with poor mental health have gone undiagnosed which further leads to Mental Illness.

Mental health has to do with your psychological and emotional as well as your social well-being. It encompasses your ability to properly manage your reaction to stress and taking care of your daily responsibilities/expectations. Also, your perception of yourself, others and things around you. If these are not given proper attention, that failure can lead to Mental Illness. Mental Illness is sometimes referred to as Mental Disorder and covers a wide range of illnesses, including Eating Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Sleeping Disorders, Schizophrenia etc. The most common ones are Anxiety and Depression. Mental illness tends to affect one’s Cognitive Perception, Behavior and Emotional state.

There is a clear line of demarcation between Mental Health and Mental Illness, although these terms are widely used interchangeably and on a frequent basis.

I want to draw your attention to the Historical Context of Mental Health. There are certain Legislative Enactments in Ontario, Canada, that govern Mental Health in terms of getting one’s consent for treatment and the extent to which others can go as they work with someone for diagnosis and treatment.

These enactments are divided into three (3) categories, namely the Mental Health Care Consent Act, The Mental Health Act and the Substitute Decision Act. The Mental Health Care Consent Act encompasses the con- sent of the individual who needs help, i.e. his or her consent, to receive care or to be placed in a facility that offers the necessary care. Not only does it govern the receival of consent, but also takes into consideration the mental capacity of the patient to offer consent for care.

The Mental Health Act deals with Rights, Responsibilities and Conduct of Health care professionals, counsellors, psychiatrists, doc- tors, psychotherapists, psychologists etc. towards their patients.

The Substitute Decision Act, governs the stipulation of the legal decision-making process, representing the patient’s best interest.

Some contributing factors to poor Mental Health and Mental Illness are:

a.Excess stress due to work, family, societal expectations and

responsibilities

b.Childhood trauma or abuses left untreated

c.Exposure to war, peril, natural disaster, pandemics

d.Divorce & separation

e.job loss, loss of valuable possessions leading to homelessness

This list of factors is by no means exhaustive here, but these are just some