The Facts About Mental Illness

The U.S. Surgeon General's report on mental health found that about one in five Americans experiences a mental disorder every year. As a result, millions of adults and children are disabled by mental illness every year. According to the World Health Organization, mental illness is first among illnesses that cause disabilities in the U.S. , Canada , and Western Europe .

Mental illnesses are disorders of the brain that often profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and the ability to live, work, and participate fully in the community. Mental illness includes such disorders as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.

Mental illness involves body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way a person feels about him or herself, and the way a person acts. Mental illness is not a sign of personal weakness, lack of character, lack of willpower, or poor upbringing. People with a mental illness cannot simply overcome it and get better on their own.

Mental illness affects almost every American family. A mental illness can affect persons from any cultural, racial, socioeconomic status, or ethnic background and mental illness can occur at any point from childhood to old age. No community is untouched by mental illness; no school or workplace is untouched.

           What Can Be Done?                                    

Mental illness is treatable and recovery is a real possibility. Early intervention and appropriate treatment and support systems improve outcomes for persons with mental illnesses. It is critical for a person to receive care and support when he or she needs it. Gaining knowledge about mental illness, symptoms, and treatment options is very important. Transitions professional staff can assist in this process.

The unintended consequence of untreated mental illness results in a negative financial and social impact to police, educators, emergency rooms, and businesses. Cost-effective, proven treatment and services support recovery for people living with mental illnesses and also ensure the health of our communities and families.

The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective. Between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.

Transitions is ready to help. Transitions is where action and compassion meet.