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Is mental illness treatable?
Yes, mental illness can be treated. This means that many people who have a mental illness, and are treated, recover well or even completely. However, because there are many different factors contributing to the development of each illness, it can sometimes be difficult to predict how, when, or to what degree someone is going to get better.

What does treatment really mean?
Treatment means all the different ways in which someone with a mental illness can get help to minimise the effects of the illness.
It can involve medication, individual therapy and various supports in the community, as well as people with the mental illness helping themselves.

- Medication
Taking medication is the most decisive thing a person with a mental illness can do to fight back against the effects of mental illness. Medical research shows that many mental illnesses are associated with changes in our brain chemistry. Certain medications, assist the brain to restore its usual chemical balance, so that the symptoms are reduced or even eliminated.

- Individual therapy
A doctor, psychologist or other health professional talks with the person about their symptoms, and discusses alternative ways of thinking about and coping with them.

- Community support programs
Support programs are especially important for people with recurrent symptoms or who have a psychiatric disability. This support may include information; accommodation; help with finding suitable work, training and education; psychosocial rehabilitation and mutual support groups. Understanding and acceptance by the community is also very important.

Where are people treated?
These days, clinical treatment generally takes place in the community rather than in a hospital. Anyone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness which needs treatment, should be able to receive a range of clinical services in their own community. If necessary, ongoing support can be provided by a community mental health service clinic, where there are a range of mental health professionals.

How can people help themselves?
There are lots of things that people with a mental illness can do for themselves, and help recover a balanced life. Learning skills which help deal with stress, feeling down, relationships or the symptoms of the illness, are just a few of ways in which someone with a mental illness can look after themselves.

How do I find out more?
It is important to ask your doctor about any concerns you have. SANE Australia also produces a range of easy-to-read publications and multimedia resources on mental illness. For more information about this topic see:

- The SANE Guide to Medication and other Treatments
Explains how all the different aspects of treatment work, by looking at clinical care, medication, support in the community and helping yourself.

To order visit the SANE Bookshop at www.sane.org or call 1800 18 SANE (7263)

SANE Australia . . . Treatments for mental illness

©SANE Factsheet 9
This Factsheet may be freely downloaded, copied and distributed on condition no change is made to the contents. SANE Australia is not responsible for any actions taken as a result of information or opinions contained in the Factsheet. SANE Australia is a business name of Schizophrenia Australia Foundation.
[Version English, 2005]