Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Mental illness is very common.
In any given year:
nearly one in five (19 percent) U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness
one in 24 (4.1 percent) has a serious mental illness
one in 12 (8.5 percent) has a substance use disorder*
Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives. (American Psychiatric Association, 2017)
It is very important that we bring more awareness to mental illness in our communities. People should not be ashamed to talk about their illnesses, nor should they be ashamed to seek out resources in their communities to help them become mentally healthy. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness, please seek organizations and community resources that are available in your area.
www.MentalHealth.gov has a lot of information on Mental Illness. It also has a treatment locator to help you find resources that are available in your community. Just put in your zip code and it will give you a list of providers in your area.
Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800- 273-8255(TALK) www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org