Everyone experiences feelings of joy, love, sadness, fear, hatred and guilt.

But when one or more of these feelings dominates someone's life and interferes with their day-to-day activities, it could be a sign of mental illness.

"Mental illness is a condition in which there are feelings and/or thoughts which are unacceptable to the individual but result in abnormal behaviour that isn't acceptable to society,'' explained Glenn Caisey, clinical coordinator for the Acute Community Health Service.

"In most cases, treatment becomes necessary only when such thoughts, feelings or behaviour affects someone's day-to-day activities or there is a risk to the well-being of the individual or others.'' Mr. Caisey said mental illness could be divided into two large categories -- minor disorders (the neuroses) or major disorders (the psychoses).

"The essential difference between the two types is that in the minor disorders, the individual has contact with reality, for example he or she recognises that their feelings, thoughts and behaviour are abnormal.

"In medical terms they have insight into their illness.

"In major disorders,'' he added, "this insight is lost and they have no contact with reality.'' Experts believe that mental illness, especially the more severe ones, are caused by a change in the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.

Major life changes Although the exact cause of the chemical alteration is not known, it is suspected that major life changes and certain illegal drugs can precipitate mental illness in those who are vulnerable.

In a bid to educate the public about the issue, a series of activities have been planned to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week.

Yesterday, Premier Jennifer Smith officially launched the week by reading the proclamation to lunchtime crowds gathered outside City Hall.

And this evening, ZBM's Talkshow will broadcast a panel discussion regarding the issues surrounding mental health.

For the third year in a row, a National Depression Screening Day will be held, this time in the lobby of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

"Clinical depression is a serious and very common disorder of mood that is pervasive, intense and attacks the mind and the body at the same time,'' explained. Mr. Caisey. "Unlike ordinary sadness, the `blues' or even grief from the loss of a loved one, major or clinical depression usually responds little to a change in circumstances or good news and does not dissipate over time.

"Depression can last for months or even years if left untreated and can result in the disruption of relationships and professional productivity, disability or death.'' Thursday's event is designed to provide locals with information about the signs, symptoms and treatment of depression.

The public will also have the chance to find out if they might be suffering from depression by taking a written screening test and talking with a mental health professional.

Detect depression early Mr. Caisey stressed that participants should remember that by being screened they will not receive a diagnosis -- they will receive tools to help them detect the symptoms of depression.

And officials will be able to determine if an individual would benefit from a complete medical and/or psychiatric evaluation.

Mr. Caisey pointed out that current research indicated that clinical depression may be associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain that carry communications between nerve cells. These cells control mood and other bodily functions and are thought to be disturbed in depression, influencing sleep and appetite patterns.

Most people suffering from clinical depression can be successfully treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. However, an individual's precise treatment plan will depend on factors like the severity of their symptoms and medical and family history.

Despite real medical and social advances in treating mental illness, there is still a stigma attached to seeking help for emotional or mental problems and many people continued to suffer in isolation.

Mental Health Awareness Week will close with an Open House on Saturday at St.

Brendan's Hospital -- the main institution of mental health care.

The event will kick off at 1 p.m. and will feature skits and a Kiddy Fair in the Social Centre Courtyard.

Troubled mind: Mental illnesses can be divided into two categories, minor disorders, known as neuroses, or major disorders, known as psychoses.

HEALTH HTH