Download or read book Learn the Myths and Facts about Mental Illness written by Patricia Carlisle and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2018-01-23 with total page 50 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Society has always been apprehensive about patients suffering with mental disorders. Many people don't understand the meaning of mental illness. There are several myths and misconception prevalent among people that are detrimental to the society. It is important to get these stigmas cleared from the minds of people to ensure a better treatment, and care for mentally ill individuals. A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception, and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person's ability to cope with life's ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional. With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover, and resume normal activities. Many mental illnesses are believed to have biological causes, just like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, but some mental disorders are cause by a person's environment and experiences. Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work, or family activities. Mental illness is common. In a given year, nearly 1 in 5 (19%) U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness. 1 in 24 (4.1%) has a serious mental illness, and 1 in 12 (8.5%) has a substance use disorder. According to statistics, every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 18.2% of the total adult population in the United States) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The data, compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), also indicate that approximately 9.3 million adults, or about 4% of those Americans ages 18 an up, experience "serious mental illness" - that is, their condition obstruct day-to-day activities, such as going to work.