Insight can be worked on

Lack of insight in mental illness is like driving a car with blinders on--the two just do not mix. The problem of insight is a big one, too. What I am referring to is that the mind of the person with mental illness is what is flawed and the mind is also the one attempting to rationalize the situation and find meaning through it all. See the problem?

The good news is that for many people with either schizophrenia, manic depression or major depression, the problem of insight (or the knowledge to know that one indeed has a problem) can be worked on with the treatment team. Another saving grace is that once someone is taking medications regularly, they tend to reflect on the past in a new light--and realize that they do indeed have mental illness.

Luckily, I have wonderful insight into my schizophrenia. Then, the other peice of the puzzle is that, once you know that you have the problem...to reach out and try to find a solution.

Some describe the feeling of insight as both a blessing and a curse, as it bestows somewhat of a guilty or disturbing thought process or mood for the one suffering from mental illness. However, in the case of mental illness in general, insight is indeed more of a blessing than a curse.