ANSWERS ys ES Mental Illness: Getting Our Minds Around The Facts (NAPSA)—Arecent survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that many peo- ple know little or almost nothing about the warning signs, causes and effective treatments for mental illnesses—even though in any given year, one in five Americans suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder. Each year, more people suffer from a mental illness than from cancer and diabetes combined. Research shows that mentalill- nesses are caused by genetic and environmental factors, traumatic events and other physical illnesses and injuries. Yet one-third of Americans mistakenly believe emotional or per- sonal weakness is a major cause of common mental illnesses and almost as many think old age is a major cause. As a result, many Twenty percent of Americanssuffer from a diagnosable mental illness every year. Can you recognize the warning signs? Americans may not get the help stand and identify the basic warning signs of a common mentalillness, such as depression, anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress treatable. The great majority—84 percent—said they would like to they need. Mental illnesses are real and According to the disorder. National Institute of Mental know more about how to identify cessful treatment for depression (70 to 80 percent) is much higher than the rate for other chronicillnesses such as heart disease (45 If you want to know more,free information is available on the APA’s consumer Web site at Changein personality. Inability about common mental illnesses, Health (NIMH), the rate of suc- to 50 percent). to cope with problems and daily activities. Marked changesin eat- ing or sleeping patterns. Extreme highs and lows. These are just some of the warning signs of a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety disorder. Only 47 percent of those sur- veyed felt well equipped to under- these warningsigns. www.healthyminds.org. There you can find the facts the warning signs and whereto turn for help. Your family doctor or a psychiatrist can also answer questions and providehelp. By learning more, you may be able to help someone you know who may be suffering from a mental illness lead a healthier, happierlife.
