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Do you know someone with a mental illness? Mental illness refers to a wide range of mental health conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. Common disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These conditions can impact daily life functioning, relationships, and overall well-being. Mental illnesses are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

They can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Early diagnosis, treatment, and support can significantly improve outcomes. Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental illness remains a barrier to seeking help. Promoting understanding and compassion is essential in creating a supportive environment for those affected by mental health challenges. If you are living with a mental health condition—or think you might be—it’s important to remember you are not alone.

Statistics show the widespread nature of mental health struggles. In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness each year. More seriously, 1 in 20 adults live with a severe mental illness annually. Among youth aged 6–17, 1 in 6 face a mental health disorder every year. Mental illnesses often begin early in life—50% start by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Mental illness doesn't stem from a single cause. Rather, it arises from genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Stressful home or work environments, trauma, and even brain chemistry and structure can contribute. However, having a mental health condition doesn’t mean you’re broken or that anyone is to blame. It’s not a personal failure or a reflection on your family. Recovery is possible, especially with early treatment and active involvement.

There are many types of mental health conditions. Anxiety disorders involve constant, overwhelming worry that affects daily functioning. ADHD is marked by inattention, disorganization, and impulsivity. Bipolar disorder causes intense mood swings between mania and depression. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features unstable emotions and self-image, often with impulsive behavior.

Depression brings persistent sadness and negative thoughts, impacting energy, sleep, and appetite. Dissociative disorders, often linked to trauma, affect memory and sense of self. Eating disorders involve unhealthy relationships with food that harm health and social life. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes recurring intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) follows exposure to traumatic events and includes both emotional and physical reactions. Psychosis, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia involve disruptions in thinking and perception, often causing hallucinations, delusions, and emotional difficulty. Each condition has its own set of challenges, but support and treatment options exist. With the right help, many individuals lead fulfilling, productive lives.

Join us on May 15, 2025, for our upcoming “Let’s Talk” 45-minute 7 PM Zoom. Think you need a nursing home? Think again, Think Pace. The PACE Program is an all-inclusive care program for older adults. Presenter: Cheryl Sanchez, Director of Growth Partnership, Archcare.

Diane Cooper