Understanding
Mental Illness
The fact is, a mental illness is a disorder of the brain – your body’s most important organ – and one in four adults experience mental illness in a given year, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD. Like most diseases of the body, mental illness has many causes – from genetics to other biological, environmental and social / cultural factors.
And just as with most diseases, mental illnesses are no one’s fault. The unusual behaviors associated with some illnesses are symptoms of the disease – not the cause. But most importantly, mental illnesses are treatable through medication and psychosocial therapies – allowing those who live with them the opportunity to lead full and productive lives.
ADHD includes a combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
Bipolar Disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness marked by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships.
Depression is a common medical condition that adversely affects how you feel, think, and act. Depression is not a poor reflection of character, upbringing, or capabilities.
Someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) escapes reality in ways that are involuntary and unhealthy with symptoms ranging from amnesia to alternate identities.
Eating Disorders are a group of serious conditions in which a person is so preoccupied with food and weight that he or she can often focus on little else.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead you to do repetitive behaviors.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event or ordeal in which grave physical, psychological, or sexual harm occurred or was threatened.
Schizoaffective Disorder is a psychiatric condition which shares elements with both Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Fact vs. Fiction
There are lots of misperceptions around mental illness today. We’re here to set the record straight.
Click the cards below to learn more.
Fiction:
Mental illness can’t affect me!
Fact:
Mental illness can affect anyone. While some illnesses have a genetic risk, mental illness can affect people of all ages, races, and income levels, whether or not there is family history.
Fiction:
Children aren’t diagnosed with mental illness.
Fact:
Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. As a matter of fact, 1 in 5 children live with a diagnosable mental illness. Getting treatment is essential.
Fiction:
People living with a mental illness will never get better.
Fact:
For some people, mental illness may be a lifelong condition, like diabetes. But as with diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with a mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Fiction:
Mental illness is a sign of weakness.
Say this:
A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness—nor can it be cured by positive thinking or willpower—proper treatment is needed.
Find out how to talk to anyone about mental health.
Check out our Talk Tool for guidance.