The DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is used by many psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to diagnose mental illness and mental disorders. There is a full page definition of mental disorder in it's introduction. In part:
"In DSM-IV, each of the mental disorders is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral or psychological distress (e.g., a painful symptom) or disability (i.e., impairment in one or more important areas of functioning) or with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or an important loss of freedom. In addition, this syndrome or pattern must not be merely an expectable and culturally sanctioned response to a particular event, for example, the death of a loved one. Whatever its original cause, it must currently be considred a manifestation of behavioral, psychological, or biological dysfunction in the individual." [DSH-IV, American Psychiatric Association, , 4th Edition, C-1994]
Most people manifest qualities described in the DSM's criteria for various personality disorders. Many people exhibit symptoms of depression and other serious mental disorders throughout their lifetime. However, it is when these qualities and symptoms interfere with several areas daily living that mental health professionals can diagnosis/classify mental illness. And mental illness is usually not diagnosed unless there is a serious likelihood of grave disability or serious harm to self, others, or property. But not always...there are many who can put on "masks" (professionally we call this 'presents well'). But these folks are usually incredibly miserable. Their friends, family, co-workers may not know they are experiencing an inner hell.
JWs as a society promote dysfunctional behaviour. They seem (hate to be so general here) to only function within their own confines. They do not function well outside of their world. "Loss of freedom" seems to stand out in my mind as one area JWs fit well. I believe there is another thread discussion about whether or not mental illness can be encouraged. From personal experience I know that coming from a family background where we children were never good enough and then listening to 5 meetings a week, reading in literature and hearing at conventions/assemblies that we needed to do more and basically were never good enough, I certainly became depressed. Couple that with inadequate choices for dealing with depression and you have the perfect recipe for depressive disorders and suicide, perhaps even homicide.
I am by no means an expert, just have worked in the mental health industry for more than 10 years. I spend more time with mental health professionals and the mentally ill than most people spend with their families. But just had to give my inflated 2 cents worth.
Mrs Rocky
