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Mental illness is a growing problem in the United States, one in four adults-approximately 61.5 million Americans-suffers from a mental illness. It’s a problem that not only affects the individual but also their family, friends, and coworkers and the impact of mental illness “costs America $193.2 billion in lost earnings per year” (Duckworth, 2013). Mental illnesses include, but are not limited to, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood” (“What is mental”, 2014). It should be noted that mental illness knows no discrimination; it can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Some may think that if you suffer from a mental illness that means you’re weak, this is not the case and is in fact one of the many barriers to getting treatment for mental health.

When someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, finding effective and quality medical and psychiatric care is the number one priority. Medical and psychiatric treatment alone won’t be effective though, mental illness affects many aspects of one’s life. “Services to optimize recovery usually include some combination of psychosocial supports, like family involvement, and medications (to reduce symptom intensity)” (Duckworth, 2013). Unfortunately, although this type of treatment may be effective, less than one-third of adults and only one-half of children receive any type of treatment every year. There also exists no coordinated system of services for mental health, which is the most effective type of treatment. Every single person suffering from any type of mental illness needs their own treatment plan that is specifically tailored to their needs.

Mental illness is treatable, and most people who are diagnosed with a mental illness can get relief from their symptoms by continually participating in and seeking out treatment. “As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior. If individuals recognize these signs and seek effective and timely care, they can often prevent relapses” (“What is mental”, 2014). It is very important to realize that the process of recovery is a continuous cycle. An individual with a mental illness must take responsibility for their own recovery; this action can be tremendously beneficial. There are many different types of recovery. Some are purely medical related; others are focused on the value of community and successfully living to cope with a mental illness. “One of the most important principles is this: recovery is a process, not an event” (Duckworth, 2013). Recovery involves a holistic approach and it is a journey that is unique for each individual.

Sources:

Duckworth, K. (2013, March). Mental illness facts and numbers. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/factsheets/mentalillness_factsheet.pdf

Duckworth, K. (2013, March). Mental illness: what you need to know. Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/By_Illness/MentalIllnessBrochure.pdf

What is mental health?. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/what-is-mental-health/index.htm