Mental illness affects 1 in 4 million or 60 million Americans a year
A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking,
feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
1 in 17 are affected by serious mental illness.
Serious mental illness includes major depression, schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic
disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline
personality disorder.
Descriptions of several serious mental illnesses
Bipolar Disorder: causes mood swings
that range from the lows of depression to
the highs of mania. Mood shifts may occur
only a few times a year or as often as
several times a day.
Major Depression: symptoms include
feelings of sadness, irritability or
frustration, reduced sex drive, insomnia or
excessive sleeping, changes in appetite,
agitation, crying spells and unexplained
physical problems, such as back pains or
headaches.
Schizophrenia: occurs equally in men
and women, with symptoms including
delusions , hallucinations, thought disorder
and disorganized behavior
6.1
million
15.7
2.6
million
million
What are some things that should concern a parent*
A sudden or persistent drop in school performance.
Persistently aggressive behavior.
Threats to self or others.
Substantial mood swings.
Hallucinations, paranoia or delusions.
Acting very withdrawn, sad or overly anxious.
Extreme difficulty interacting with friends and/or siblings.
Extreme changes in sleeping and eating patterns.
Increased or persistent use of alcohol or drugs.
*this list may be adapted for any concerned family member or friend.
Recovery is possible!
With an accurate diagnosis, effective medication, psychotherapy,
attention to health and wellness and peer and family support, most
people living with mental illness can obtain relief from their symptoms
and lead satisfying and meaningful lives.
Hope begins with each of us
Mental illness is not caused by weakness of character, bad upbringing,
demon possession or lack of faith. It is a serious biological condition of
the brain that, fortunately, can be treated.
Survivors in their own words
I am an individual who was diagnosed with
bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress
disorder and major depression at a very
early age. It hasnt been easy dealing with
these experiences, but I am trying to live one
day at a time with support from God and my
network of family and friends.
Survivors in their own words
Intimate relationships with family members
and friends are so wonderful to experience.
Feeling connected is the most wonderful
feeling of all; when despair gives way to
hope, thats what recovery means to me.
Survivors in their own words
Recovery from mental illness is the
process where one begins to
believe a fulfilling life is possible in spite of
the medications, therapists
and doctorsjust giving life one more
chance.
What you can do to help
If you think you or a loved one may have one of these illnesses, look for help.
Seek answers to the questions you have and seek treatment as soon as possible.
The important thing is not to give up.
Talk with family members openly; they, too, may have seen things that were out of
the ordinary.
There also may be related medical or physical causes for the behaviors displayed,
so it is important to have the person seen by a health care professional as soon as
possible. Contact a mental health professional to get a diagnosis and treatment.
Do not be afraid to speak with the doctor concerning the things you have observed.
Remain open to suggestions, even when they may conflict with your own
personal beliefs.
What you can do to help
It is always helpful to share your concerns with the individual affected, in as caring a
manner as possible. It is important not to throw accusations or make the person
feel under attack.
Get in touch with organizations that provide mental health support who can provide
information, guidance and support for you and your loved one.
Remember stigma causes needless suffering, potentially causing a person to
deny symptoms, delay treatment and refrain from daily activities.
Avoid language such as crazy or nuts to describe someone affected by
mental illness. Label the illness, not the person; for example She has
schizophrenia versus Shes schizophrenic.
recovery is a journey!
Did you know
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Helpful Links
National Alliance on Mental Illness: [Link]
Mental Health Association of Pennsylvania: [Link]
PA Office of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS): [Link]/
Mental Health America: [Link]
SAMHSAs Resource Center to Promote Acceptance, Dignity and Social Inclusion Associated
with Mental Health: [Link]/