Common types of mental illness There are many different types of mental health problems. Some problems, such as depression, anxiety and psychosis that community support workers are more likely to come across, are discussed below. Depression According to the Diagnostic and statistical manual on mental illness (5th edition) (DSM V), depression is an illness that persists for more than two weeks and results in reduced mood, loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities that may be social, occupational and educational. TRAINER’S GUIDE The facilitator discusses symptoms of depression that are prevalent in the participants’ community. When a person is depressed, he or she experiences at least five or more of the following symptoms: • Feels sad all the time; • Has trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeps too much; • Has little to no appetite and experiences weight loss, or has an increased appetite and gains weight; • Has low energy and low motivation to do things; • Is easily irritable; • Experiences suicidal ideation; • Has feelings of guilt; • Has trouble concentrating – e.g. keeping the mind on what is being done or said; and • Experiences body aches and pains. Causes of depression Changes in the brain can cause these moods. Depression can run in families, so, if a person’s mother or father or brother or sister has suffered from severe depression, then the person is more likely to go through depression in their life. Stressful life events, such as bereavement, marital problems, loneliness, poverty or experiencing violence can cause a person to become depressed. Sometimes, people cope less well with events because of the way they think, such as: ‘Bad things always happen to me’ or ‘I am a useless and worthless person’. When people think in this negative way, they can become depressed. > Case study Since Ruth’s husband left her a year ago, she has been sad and tearful all the time. She has stopped seeing her friends and spends all her time at home. She no longer takes care of her appearance and her home has become dirty. Ruth says that she has trouble sleeping and always feels tired. She has lost a lot of weight and says that she has lost interest in food. Reading or talking seems to be too much effort for her and she struggles to keep her mind on what she is doing. Ruth says that she feels her future is hopeless and that there is no point in living. Module 7: Dealing with trauma, psychological healing and support 113 7