Can one develop a mental illness when constantly trying to find a win in a no win scenario?

Serious answer.

The causes of mental illness are not known.

One-third of people with schizophrenia recover without medical intervention.

I firmly believe my bipolar disorder was caused by childhood trauma. After many years of excellent therapy and years of daily meditation and by keeping healthy, I also believe I’m in remission. Despite that notion, I will continue to take daily medication, because I’ve seen first hand the result of stopping. My notion is the result of years of living without mania or depression.

Mental illness is cruel. Some people are obviously ill and have horrible symptoms. Some people appear normal but are suffering in private.

Mental illness is grotesquely stigmatized. Many people refuse to get treatment, because they see shame attached to such treatment.

Is obsession a mental illness? Can a pitcher become obsessed with striking
out batters?

@Hawaii_Jake Thanks for sharing your story, and experience, and expertise in mental health.

@WhyNow Obsession, sounds like the correct term. It is a mental illness if it is detrimental to the patient. I will use that term when I have a psychologist appointment on Friday. Thanks

I’m no expert but as it was explained to me once, there is the underlying predilection to mental illness in many cases and then the triggering situation or situations that make it manifest. This was from a bipolar friend, not a professional.

@janbb Accurate and succinct, no matter how the mental health field complicates it. Not dissing the mental health field! I’m very pro-psychology.

There can also be other predispositions which can interact. Same with addiction.

“Insanity—a perfectly rational adjustment to an insane world.”

- Ronald D Laing