Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Mental illnesses are medical conditions, like diabetes that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary stresses of daily life.
Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome with will power and are not related to a person's intelligence or character.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses. They cannot be overcome with will power and are not related to a person's intelligence or character Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.. Mental illnesses are treatable. Recovery from a mental illness is possible. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by participating in a treatment plan. Medication treatment and psychosocial treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal all help with the recovery process.
Studies show that approximately 5 million Americans experience a mental health disorder in a given year
About 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders that cause impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. Researchers have evidence that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US are mental disorders. Mental illnesses usually occur in individuals in often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are the ones that are usually affected the most.
Without treatment the mental illness can lead to unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives.
The treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective with a reduction of symptoms and have improved their quality of life with a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments. With appropriate medication most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying independence. A key concept is to develop expertise in developing strategies to manage the illness process. Early identification and treatment is important. Access to the treatment and recovery supports recovery is quicker and the course of illness is minimized. There can be life after a diagnosis of a mental illness with the proper treatment those affected can live an independent and rewarding life.
