Mental Health

Mental illnesses are disorders that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior; and they can range from mild to severe. Millions of Americans are living with a mental illness. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, nearly one in five adults live with a mental illness. Despite common misperceptions, having any mental illness is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just “passes” or can be “snapped out of” with willpower. The specific causes are unknown, but various factors can increase someone’s risk for mental illness including, family history, brain chemistry, and significant life events such as experiencing a trauma or death of a loved one. With early and consistent treatment, people with serious mental illnesses can manage their conditions, overcome challenges, and have meaningful, productive lives.