How do I know if someone I know has a mental illness? If you or someone you know, experiences some distress that last more than usual or is unable to perform their usual daily tasks [like work or school], they might want to seek help. Or maybe they are unable to get along well with other people because they are very anxious, or moody, sad or elated, not thinking clearly, disoriented or not remembering things, distorting reality, or behaving oddly – they should be evaluated. According to the Surgeon General, "Mental Illness is … characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination…) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning." I need immediate help, or are in crisis, what can I do? If you are in need of immediate help please dial 1-877-495-0009. You can also go directly to our HELP page for expanded access to help numbers and organizations. Once someone has had a mental illness, can they ever get better again? Absolutely, most people with mental illnesses who are diagnosed and treated, will respond well and live productive lives. Many never have the same problem again, although some will experience a return of symptoms. The important thing is that there is a range of effective treatments for just about every mental disorder. Do young people and children suffer from mental health problems? Yes they do. More than 6 million young people in America may suffer from a mental health disorder that disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community.

What should I do if I know someone who appears to have all the symptoms of a serious mental disorder? Although this website cannot substitute for professional advice, we encourage those with symptoms to their friends and family members. If you know someone, don’t just think that they will snap out of it. Let them know that you care about them, and there are ways this can be treated. If you think you have symptoms, you might consider telling your parents, talk to them about how you can notify the parents of your friend who might be suffering. Let your school counselor know, or a teacher you feel comfortable talking to. The more you or your friend realizes how many people care about them, the more likely it will be that treatment will be sought. At my school, over 250 girls are on anti-depressants. Is this starting to be a trend or is it possible that this many of my friends are ill? One out of five Americans have a diagnosable mental illness each year. More and more safe and effective anti-depressant medications have become available. In addition to treating depression and other mood disorders, they are used effectively to treat other conditions, including anxiety disorders, some eating disorders, and uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms during menstrual periods. These problems are very common. Are people with mental illnesses dangerous? The vast majority of people with a mental illness are not violent. When violence does occur, the trigger or causes are usually the same reasons as in the general public, such as feeling threatened or having used alcohol and/or drugs excessively. Are people with a mental illness suited for really important or responsible positions? Like everyone else, most people with a mental illness have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience, and motivation.

Should people who need psychiatric care, be locked away in institutions? Most people with mental illnesses can lead productive lives in the community thanks to a variety of supports, programs, and/or medications. If you get severely upset, like after someone close to you dying and/or losing a boyfriend or girlfriend, is this classified as being a mental illness? These painful responses to stressful life events usually do not indicate a mental disorder. Although understandable, loss or grief may be severe it is not the same as a mental disorder. A person may still benefit from support or talking with someone about these unpleasant feelings, but only a professional can make a proper diagnosis. Sometimes these feelings last longer that expected and then it is a good idea to seek help.

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