Past research on mental illness has focused mostly on chronic and recurring mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders that keep people from thriving and enjoying life.
Scientists from the University of South Florida found that many people who have suffered from mental illness are able to thrive and lead high-functioning life.
They also found that having longer episodes of mental illness or experiencing multiple mental illnesses in one’s lifetime only reduces, but does not eliminate, the chances of thriving.
The research is published in Clinical Psychological Science and was conducted by Andrew Devendorf et al.
In the study, the team used data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey—Mental Health, a nationally representative survey that included more than 25,000 Canadian participants aged 15 to 80 and older.
The team compared the mental health conditions tracked in the survey and other data associated with each participant’s quality of life.
They then calculated how many people with a lifetime history of mental illness—including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance-use disorder—met the “thriving” criteria at the time of the study.
The team showed that about 10% of Canadians with a history of mental illness met thriving criteria, compared to about 24% of Canadians who did not have a history of mental illness.
People with a history of substance-use disorders (10%), depression (7%), and anxiety (6%) were more likely to thrive compared to people with a history of bipolar disorder (3%).
The study found that about two-thirds (67%) of people with any mental illness in their lifetime met symptomatic recovery, meaning they no longer met the diagnostic criteria for a particular illness.
The rate at which people recover from mental illness and attain moderate to good, rather than optimal, levels of well-being is likely much higher.
These findings show that mental illnesses reduce—but do not preclude—the possibility to meet thriving criteria.
Although thriving after the mental illness was not necessarily common, it should be noted that diagnostic recoveries after mental illness were much more common.
The research shows many people can recover from a mental illness and go on to experience life with high levels of well-being and functioning.
Contrary to traditional clinical wisdom, mental illness and substance use disorders may reduce but do not prevent the possibility of thriving.
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If you care about mental health, please read studies about commonly used mental drugs may harm cognitive functions, and 6 daily habits to reduce stress & anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies that people who smoke at night may need mental health support, and results showing scientists find a core feature of depression.
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