Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

Mental illnesses include such disorders as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses.

Treatment works for most people living with mental illness, and an array of services and supports including access to appropriate medication and peer-support service are necessary to ensure recovery. The unintended consequence of untreated mental illness results in a negative financial and social impact on police, educators, emergency rooms, and businesses. Cost-effective, proven treatment and services exist that not only support recovery for people living with mental illness but also ensure the health of America’s communities and families.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the U.S. are mental illnesses. In addition, the most serious and disabling mental illness conditions affect five to ten million adults (2.6 – 5.4%) and three to five million children ages nine to seventeen (9 – 13%) in the United States.