Mental Illness A Serious Public Health Issue Essay

Background Mental illness is a serious public health issue, which is often overlooked in our society. In the United States, there are currently 1 in 5 people living with a mental illness, which accounts to 25% of the population (NAMI, 2016). Mental illness is considered a condition that deters a persons thinking, feeling, or mood (NAMI, 2016). This illness consists of depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, ADHD, just to name a few (NAMI, 2016). What usually triggers mental illnesses to occur is often due to genetics, drug use, abuse, trauma, stress, and so forth. Due to the individual’s condition, they are unable to function properly on a daily basis. Another major problem with mental illness in society is that when mental illness goes untreated for a prolonged time, it leads to other problems such as incarceration, violence, suicide, psychosis, and homelessness (Van Maren, 2000). Thus, it is best to treat an individual with a mental health condition immediately after it is recognized and diagnosed. Most of the mental health conditions mentioned above appear during childhood (CDC, 2015), and it is best to address mental health issues in children. Children are the future; therefore, it is imperative to provide children with the necessary tools in order to become successful as an adult. Mental illnesses are treated by medications, counseling services, and intensive behavioral health services. In addition, the greatest way of reducing the burden ofShow MoreRelatedMental Health And Substance Use Disorder1340 Words   |  6 PagesSerious mental illness (SMI) impacts a person’s thinking, mood, capability to maintain relationshi ps, and overall ability to maintain normal activities of daily living. Treatment is necessary for all individuals with a serious mental illness. 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