Mental illness affects people of all ages, races, religions and income levels. The leading cause of disability, mental disorders disrupt a person's thinking, feelings, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life. But mental illness is treatable. According to the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, between 70 and 90 percent of individuals experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life with today's highly effective treatments. However, early detection and treatment is vitally important. By addressing the issue early on, the development of more chronic conditions can be prevented.
We invite you to review this list of Mental Illness: Common Warning Signs (56 KB PDF) to learn more about the prevalence of mental illness and the symptoms of three of the most frequently diagnosed mental illnesses: depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing several of the listed symptoms for an extended period, we encourage you to see your doctor or mental health professional for a thorough evaluation.
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If you are interested in learning more, these sites offer a wealth of information about mental illness, effective treatments and advocacy organizations.
This page last updated August 12, 2008