Severe mental illnesses are serious conditions that significantly impair a person’s ability to function. These often include schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder that is chronic or disabling. (Many definitions also include severe anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and personality disorders.) Such illnesses can profoundly affect thinking, perception, mood, and behavior. For example, schizophrenia may involve hallucinations or delusions that distort reality, while bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings from manic highs (e.g. racing thoughts, risky behavior) to depressive lows. “Serious mental illness” can be defined as one or more conditions that impede daily life. Symptoms can be wide-ranging, but often include:
- Psychosis: Hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or holding fixed false beliefs (delusions).
- Disorganized thinking: Speech or thoughts may be jumbled or illogical.
- Extreme mood swings: Periods of mania or severe depression (as in bipolar disorder).
- Withdrawal and isolation: Pulling away from friends, family, or work; losing interest in normal activities.
- Functional impairment: Difficulty at work or school (poor performance due to distraction or symptoms), trouble maintaining hygiene or living independently.
People with severe mental illness often face challenges in relationships, employment, and housing. For instance, a person experiencing persistent hallucinations may struggle to hold a job or trust others. A young adult with severe bipolar disorder might cycle through periods of high energy (leading to impulsive decisions or substance use) and crushing depression (making it hard to leave the bed). Families may find it stressful to provide support, and the individual may feel isolated or stigmatized. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication management (antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants) and intensive therapy. Recovery is possible, but often requires ongoing support to manage symptoms and maintain stability in daily life.
Modalities that can help with severe mental illness:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Family Systems Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
