Mental illness is everywhere, treatable

May is Mental Health Month. Since 1949, this month has provided an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Consider that one in four families are affected by a mental illness; mental disorders are the leading cause of disability, lost years of productive life, in North America, Europe and, increasingly, in the world; late-life depression affects about 6 million adults; one in five children have a diagnosed mental, emotional or behavioral disorder; mental illness is an equal-opportunity disease, regardless of age, gender, economic status or ethnicity; and suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 15 to 24.

Also consider that mental illness is a biological disorder of the brain that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, moods and ability to relate to others; mental illnesses are far more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis; mental illness cannot simply be “overcome” by will power; mental illness is not related to a person’s weakness, lack of character, intelligence or poor upbringing.

Early identification and treatment increases the possibilities for maximal recovery.

People suffering from a diagnosed mental illness are our neighbors, our friends, our families, our co-workers and members of our faith communities. Many organizations, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, engage in efforts to promote good mental health, education, including stigma reduction and advocacy.

Visit namikanecounty.net and NAMI Kane County on Facebook for resource lists and support groups. You are not alone.

Laurie Huske

President, NAMI Kane County

Elgin