Articles and Information
Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 05 2018
The first full week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Nearly one in five American adults are diagnosed with a mental illness each year. Mental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children and work in the next cubicle. However, of those diagnosed, only 50% are treated, often because of the stigma attached to mental health.
Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical condition just like heart disease. Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.
What Exactly is a Mental Illness
A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that make it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma and/or having another medical condition, like heart disease.
Mental Illness- Recognizing warning signs and how to cope and Resources.
The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.