9781422275467

WORDS TO UNDERSTAND

binge eating: the consumption of extremely large amounts of food in a short period of time; usually a symptom of disordered eating

continuum: the continuous sequence, ranging from inconsequential to extreme, on which most mental illnesses are viewed by mental health professionals

stigma: a physical or unseen social mark of disgrace associated with a particular condition

suicide: the act of taking one’s own life

CHAPTER

Helping Those with Mental Illnesses : Why It’s Needed EXPLORING THE HUMAN MIND The mind is fascinating. In recent years, modern medicine has made great strides in understanding how the brain works, and there is still much to be discovered. The field of psychology is always evolving. Once thought of as a pseudoscience, the study of psychology is now well respected in the fields of medicine, education, and social work. A part of psychology is the study of mental illness. There are different categories of mental illness, including depression, anxiety disorders, addiction issues, and personality disorders. There are varied careers available for people who want to work with those suffering from mental illness.

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