Two Harvard-Trained Psychiatrists Author Practical Guide To Help People Understand and Deal With Mental Health Issues
We are living in stressful times. From social unrest to an ongoing global pandemic, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are on the rise.
Two Harvard trained psychiatrists have authored a practical guide to help people better understand how to deal with the growing mental health crisis in America.
In their book, “Understanding Mental Illness: A Comprehensive Guide to Mental Health Disorders for Family and Friends,” Dr. Carlin Barnes and Dr. Marketa Wills have provided an easy-to-understand guide to explaining mental illness in a conversational way for all readers.
According to Census Bureau data from last year, a third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety or depression. Yet many do not get needed or adequate treatment. According to Drs. Barnes and Wills ignoring mental health illness can have devastating effects on our families and for society at large.
“Many people living with mental illness go untreated, and as a result, people with untreated mental illnesses make up one third of the nation’s homeless population and can be imprisoned,” said Dr. Wills. “Study after study has shown that the longer one waits to begin treatment, the greater the severity of the mental illness, and the more difficult it may be to effectively treat. Conversely, early treatment is highly likely to lead to much more positive outcomes.”
Even in the 21st century with the most advanced medical care in the world, social stigma still surrounds psychiatric problems, and this, combined with a lack of understanding, perpetuates a national mental health crisis affecting those in need and their families. To meet these challenges, Dr. Barnes and Dr. Wills wrote “Understanding Mental Illness” to educate and help everyone better understand and deal with mental health issues. Each chapter offers insights and wisdom concerning a variety of psychiatric conditions, including:
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance abuse issues
• Eating disorders
• Women’s mental health issues
• Suicide in America
• Geriatric mental health
Dr. Barnes adds, “Knowledge is power. Being aware and informed is the first step in helping a loved one or family member get the proper treatment they need to begin the road to recovery and emotional wellness. Armed with the knowledge of clear and factual information, you will be able to begin the process of helping your loved one. Change will not happen overnight; recovery is a process that is a different journey for each person.”
Th year 2021 will see a continuation of mental health issues affect most Americans. With concerns ranging from homelessness, food insecurity and health, “Understanding Mental Illness” is the must-read to help us navigate through the rough times ahead.
Dr. Barnes and Dr. Wills are the co-founders of Healthy Mind MDs, LLC, a wellness enterprise whose sole mission is to improve the emotional and mental well-being of all Americans.
