Mental health plays an important role in our overall wellness; even though it's something that many people don't like to talk about. And those who struggle with mental health issues often feel isolated from their friends and family. But they are not alone - 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition.
Telling the difference between what is expected behaviors and what might be considered as possible signs of a mental illness isn't easy. There is no easy test that can let someone know if there is mental illness or if actions and thoughts might be typical behaviors of a person or the result of a physical illness. This is why it is important to be aware of warning signs.
Mental illnesses are health conditions that disrupt a person’s thoughts, emotions, relationships, and daily functioning. They are associated with distress and diminished capacity to engage in the ordinary activities of daily life. It is important to know that mental illnesses are medical conditions that have nothing to do with a person’s character, intelligence, or willpower. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illness is a medical condition due to the brain’s biology.
It is estimated that mental illness affects 1 in 5 adults in America, and that 1 in 24 adults have a serious mental illness. Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, income, social status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or background.
The following articles pertain to behavioral health and are cultivated from our health and wellnesss blog.
