Learn more about the Warning Signs of Mental Illness

Facts about mental illness

• One in five people in America will suffer from depression or anxiety. Many will get no help for these illnesses, either because they don't realize help is available or because they are too ashamed to ask for it.
• Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. In fact, chronic stress can double a person's risk of having a heart attack.
• Although an estimated nine percent of American adults have depression, less than four percent have been diagnosed with the disorder. Treatment success rates for depression are more than 80 percent and people who receive treatment for depression are two-thirds less likely to miss work days due to illness.
• Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders greatly enhances a child's ability to reach their full potential.

Treatment works and recovery is possible

• The treatment success rates for such disorders as depression (more than 80 percent), panic disorder (70-90 percent) and schizophrenia (60 percent), surpass those of other medical conditions, such as heart disease (45-50 percent).
• Treatment of panic disorder decreases healthcare utilization and costs by 94 percent.
• People who receive treatment for depression are two-thirds less likely to miss work days due to illness.

When to seek help for anxiety or depression

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness - taking care of yourself is a sign of strength! Learn how to help yourself, or a loved one, achieve a healthier, happier and less stressful life! If you experience some or all of these markers, and they persist, it may be time to seek help.

• Constantly overwhelmed
• Strained relationships
• Poor work performance
• Overly emotional
• "Little things" set you off
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Headaches and backaches
• Rise in blood pressure

Talk with your doctor, spiritual or religious leader or employee assistance program (EAP). They may suggest that you see a mental health professional to help you manage your stress or suggest other resources

Taking care of general well being

• Regular physical exercise can help people reduce stress, depression and anxiety, and enable them to better cope with adversity.
• People who have major depression and anxiety disorders are significantly (60 percent) less likely to relapse if they exercise regularly - and continue exercising over time - than if they take medication alone.
• Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide.
• Chronic stress can double a person's risk of having a heart attack.
• Seventy-five percent of visits to doctor's officers concern stress-related ailments.
• Chronic stress can cause premature aging.
• People who have depression are more likely than others to develop diabetes.