Recognizing Morality in Mental Illnesses

Those that have a mental illness typically perceive the world differently than those that do not have a mental illness. In many ways, mental illness changes the way you view the future, relationships, life, death, and morality.

What is Morality?

Morality is the understanding between right and wrong. Many people would describe morality as having a moral compass inside that dictates what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Another way to think about morality is by picturing a system devised by our society that deems various values and actions as good and bad.

In general, we all have the same simplified version of morality. For example, murder is wrong, and holding the door for a stranger is good. On a more personal scale, we all have our own set of rules that we follow. In this instance, someone may never tell any lies no matter how small, and someone else may believe that it is okay to lie now and again.

Our morals can be determined by our culture, religion, environment, government, upbringing, etc. Morality is a complex subject matter. To understand more about morality and its role in your mental health, consider reading articles provided by BetterHelp.

Mental Illnesses and a Lack of Morality

Common mental illnesses that lack morality are disorders that cause a lack of empathy. Other mental health disorders that have a misunderstanding of morality are disorders that cause abnormal behaviors and emotional confusion.

For example, empathy deficit disorder. Those with an empathy deficit disorder have a disconnection in the part of their brain that allows them to make decisions considered “right” by society. They may have no indication in their brain that tells them to obey the law and be kind to others. It is common to see unlawful behavior in those with an empathy deficit disorder.

Those with antisocial personality disorder, also known as sociopathy, may also experience a lack of morality. Symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can include apathy towards others, a lack of remorse, and guilt. Many with this disorder will act in criminally and abusive ways toward others.

Many other mental health disorders come with a lack of values and standards. Most are caused by genetics, brain function, and reasons outside of the individual’s control. By learning more about morality and mental health disorders, we can better help those that need it.

The Question About Morality, Punishments, and Mental Health

One of the most confusing things to understand about morality and mental health is punishment. Many argue that punishments must be lenient for those with mental health disorders.

A popular example that many use is drunk driving. If someone is living with a substance use disorder, is it okay to punish them when their morality is compromised? If not, what rules should be enforced, if any?

With difficult questions such as those, it can be challenging to determine how to help those with the inability to make moral choices. The most important thing should always be to keep everyone safe. If someone is at risk of hurting others, they should be the ones we help first. For example, someone living with an antisocial personality disorder should be given the proper tools and resources to receive the help that they need. By helping those confused by morality, we can help society as a whole.