Report finds mental illness is our number one debilitating illness

"Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to hear."

C.S.Lewis

Authors note: This is a continuation of a series on the prejudicial and discriminatory issues associated with persons having mental illnesses in our society. This past published article not only sheds light on the seriousness of mental illness in our nation, but addresses the issue of prejudice and discrimination faced by those individuals and families where mental illness is present.

When many individuals are asked what our number one debilitating illness in the United States is, they often are quick to tell you it is cancer or heart disease. Albeit heart disease and cancer are probably the most serious in terms of fatalities, the chronic, long term, effects of mental illness are much more debilitating. Data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that more than almost 62 million American adults suffers from mental illness in a given year. One in 17 - about 13.6 million of that number - live with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression; "serious mental illness" which impede their daily life functions. When combining children to the numbers, it has been estimated that probably 80 million individuals suffer from some sort of mental illnesses; 20 percent of those ages 13-18, and for ages 8-15 the estimate is 13 percent.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bears these statistics out also, relating that 1 in 4 persons likely have a mental illness. There are few of you readers who do not know a relative, friend, or acquaintance with a mental illness; or have at least suffered from some type of mental illness in their lifetime.

Mental illness and its effects on individuals, families, and society as a whole is not going to go away. As the population grows in our nation, so in turn does mental illness. There is an upside to this, however, as we have learned much about mental illness over the years and the means of providing treatment for the various diagnosis of mental illness.

There is one battle which remains ongoing for all of us however, the battle against prejudice and discrimination associated with mental illness; which I have written many articles about previously in this column. About 60 percent of adults and 50 percent of youth with mental illness were reported to receive no treatment for their illness in the past year; largely due to the stigma against individuals and families seeking treatment and associated myths about mental illness.

The media reports all the time about other health problems and diseases, particularly prevention aspects, eg. diet control, exercising, medications, etc.; but is not very helpful when it comes to easing the cultural prejudice, discrimination, and myths about mental illness. Mental illness, my friends, although being the most debilitating of all diseases, continues to take a back-seat. It is a matter of internalized awareness?becoming aware of the seriousness of mental illness and taking that awareness personally.

I know this to be de-facto as treatment services are readily available to assist individuals with mental illness, and to help their families; in our community, state, and nation.

Mental Health Month, which occurs in the month of May, was originally conceived to bring about awareness of the plight of those with Mental Illness and the need for early evaluation and treatment. Many "May's" have come and gone without much fanfare over the years. It seems as though the activities which were once associated with the month has peaked and waned through the years; perhaps it will become more meaningful in 2017.

In working in psychiatric hospitals and clinics for many years, and helping thousands of individuals and their families with mental illness; I faced the realities of the effects of the debilitating disease of mental illness daily. So many had suffered under the misguided myths, the prejudice and discrimination associated with their illness, and that led to avoiding treatment.

Why have you waited so long to seek treatment? That was probably the most profound question we clinicians shared under our breath and with one another. We most often heard: "We thought he would just grow out of it" (with children), "We just thought he was demon possessed," "We always managed to put up with it until recently," "I thought I would lose my job if I sought help," ad infimum.

Only when the disease had progressed so profoundly, and began to affect others, did many seek treatment; often leading to commitment procedures to a state psychiatric facility. Knowledge about mental illness and early detection and treatment are keys to the problem.

As I have previously pointed out in articles to you, the present state of treatment for Mental Illness in our community, state, and nation; even with its imperfections, offers a most professional, viable service to the millions of individual's with mental illness; and continues to improve (despite financial and staffing problems) in research, prevention, and treatment efforts.

May we all increase our awareness of the individuals and families suffering from the effects of this most debilitating of all diseases; to eliminate the prejudicial attitudes and discrimination directed at persons with mental illnesses, and promote treatment for those with a mental illness.

May you and your loved ones maintain concern and care for mental health as well as physical health?Stay Healthy my Friends!