1. OCCURRENCE of mental illness problems:
   It is widespread. It affects 1 in 17 Americans, or 26.2 million adults (over 18 yrs). It affects 1 in 5 families in the U.S.
2. WHAT or WHERE DOES MENTAL ILLNESS COME FROM?
   Mental illnesses are biological in origin, based in the brain. Additionally, a combination of circumstances and relationships maybe involved.They have NO relation to intelligence.
3. SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS - see common types
   Mental illness falls along a continuum in how it affects people. If often appears when people are young adults. However, one can get it at any age. It is likely that you know someone with mental illness who has not told you about it.
4. WHAT ABOUT VIOLENCE IN THE MENTALLY ILL?
   The majority of those with mental illness are no more violent than the average person might be. People expect those with mental illness to be more dangerous than they are (Corrigan & Cooper). People with mental illness are more often the targets of crimes. See Violence and Mental Illness.
5. TREATMENT CAN BY EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE.
   Psychological and medical treatment along with social and other supports can reduce the impact of mental illness in 70 - 90% of people. This approach can aid them in developing satisfying strategies for management and recovery. Early identification and treatment helps reduce the effects of mental illness.
6. REASONS FOR NOT RECEIVING TREATMENT
   48.1% of those who needed treatment, but didn't get it, said financial and insurance issues were obstacles. 50% of those who got treatment had to pay for it themselves. Some felt that the stigma of treatment would be a problem for them. *** Stigma is a barrier that can be reduced.
   
   

   Proceed to > the impact of stigma.

Information from NAMI.org and NIMH   ** See more statistics