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Quick Quiz: What do the following movies have in common?

As Good as it Gets (1997), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Dr. T and the Women (2000), The Fisher King (1991), Girl, Interrupted (1999), Hamlet (2000), Secret Window (2004), Sybil (1976), When a Man Loves a Woman (1994), and The Hours (2003)?

Answer: They all feature characters who have some type of mental illness. Movies often depict characters with mental illness because it is a part of our everyday lives. In the past, mental illness was thought to be incurable, and patients were cruelly stereotyped and were often institutionalized. Many organizations today are working to overcome the falsehoods associated with mental illness and are helping enlighten society about the realities of mental health concerns.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month 

During the month of May, the nonprofit group Mental Health America (MHA) urges the public to educate themselves about mental health. At certain times in one's life, mental health can become compromised by life situations, a chemical imbalance, or a number of other factors. In addition, friends and family members may experience mental illness, and it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, as well as treatment choices, of mental health disorders. There are several illnesses and disorders associated with mental health, as partially listed below, but all have many options for help in overcoming these mental health concerns. For a more complete list and additional information, visit the organization's web site at http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm or the National Institute for Mental Health at [e-mail].

* Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

* Anxiety Disorders 

* Bipolar Disorder 

* Depression

* Eating Disorders 

* Grief and Bereavement 

* Schizophrenia

* Substance Abuse

* Suicide

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with any of the above illnesses or disorders, please remember you are not alone. Patients with mental health disorders are now using healthcare services more frequently than those without mental illness. As a result, there are many health professionals that see patients with mental health issues, including licensed counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. If you have not been diagnosed but feel you may have a mental health disorder, you should talk to your primary care physician who can refer you to a professional. In some cases, physical conditions may be the cause of mental disturbances and a thorough examination, including blood work, may be warranted. Many treatment options are available, including counseling, psychotherapy, and medication, to name a few. If you need to speak with someone immediately, you can call the MHA's hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, and they can connect you with someone willing to help.

RELATED ARTICLE: Electroconvulsive Therapy 

While some may think of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), more popularly known as electric shock treatment, as an old-fashioned treatment (as seen in Russell Crowe's A Beautiful Mind), the reality is that ECT is a safe, effective treatment option used for severe and persistent depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. ECT has been used for over 60 years, and there are over 50,000 treatments performed annually in the US. Doctors usually recommend the use of ECT for those patients who do not respond to therapy or medication, and it should be understood that ECT is not a cure: patients are only in remission and usually must follow up with additional ECT treatments. Many patients are fearful of ECT, but reports have shown the procedure is safe, with risk being comparable to childbirth or minor surgery. Studies have examined patients who have received thousands of treatments, with no ill effects. The most common criticism of ECT is short-term memory loss, but this usually resolves quickly. Other side effects include headache, nausea, and muscle soreness. If you or a loved one suffers from depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, and therapy or medication has not been working, talk to your doctor about the possibility of receiving ECT. He or she can provide you with more information and let you know whether ECT is right for you or a family member.

Taken in part from "Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Review of History, Patient Selection, Technique and Medication Management." By Dr. Stephen Taylor and "Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Outdated Treatment or One Whose Time Has Come?" By Dr. James Kimball. Southern Medical Journal. May 2007.

Bridget Garland, MA