Symptoms

It is usually in adolescence that young people claim their self-identity and from this base enjoy their desire to reach out to others in relationship. When they do not find the self –identity or self acceptance, then some personally vital thing seems to be lacking, and symptoms of some hidden mental illness begin to show. In their small family community, their school community, among their friends, the young disturbed teenager may become loner, isolated and withdrawn.

The illness is difficult to understand and accept, both by victims and their relatives. Many guardians prefer not to acknowledge its existence due to the stigma attached to it and lack of awareness. Shame is very powerful and painful emotion. To a large extent this is what raises stigma against mental illness. It is what makes many families deny, conceal or hide the illness. Ultimately shame is ‘ What causes people to remain untreated ’. It is interesting to know that as per survey carried out by Canadian agency, on an average the guardian realizes the intensity of sickness after 25 weeks from the onset of sickness and patient is referred to psychiatrist after 45 weeks. This delayed action on the part of guardian can lead to prolonged illness, many a times life long suffering.