Mental Illness – Common Illness

By Christopher Kearney

          Mental Illness is surprisingly common.  In fact, the National Institutes of Mental Health estimate that at any one time, 30% of the population has a diagnosable mental disorder or substance abuse problem.  That equates to roughly 84 million Americans and, more closer to home, about 40,000 Abilenians.  Still not convinced?  Here are some other facts to consider:

Ø     Major depression is the number one cause of disability in the United States.  More than 18.8 million Americans are diagnosed with major depression;

Ø     19.1 million Americans are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder;

Ø     Mental illness is number two behind heart disease on the list of top disease burdens in the United States;

Ø     15% of our worldwide market economy is spent on mental illness, more than all cancers combined.

The costs associated with mental illness are simply staggering.  In 1996, the direct (treatment) and indirect costs (loss of productivity due to disability and death) because of mental illness exceeded $180 billion.  In 2006 dollars, that number would easily exceed the $200 billion mark. 

          Now consider not the cost in dollars, but the cost in lives.  That is, suicide.  Suicide is heavily correlated with mental illness.  In fact, the Surgeon General estimates that of those who have committed suicide, 90% had a diagnosable mental illness.  In addition:

Ø     The majority of those who had committed suicide had not received professional help;

Ø     Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide, but women attempt suicide 2 – 3 times more often;

Ø     It is estimated that for every suicide there are as many as 25 attempts;

Ø     Suicide is the third leading cause of death in young adults ages 15 – 24. 

Considering that the majority of people who have committed suicide did not receive help, the fact that suicide is the third leading cause of death in young adults is an awful realization.  How many of our young people would still be alive had they just gotten some help?  The question, then, is why didn’t they receive help?  I would assert it’s our understanding – or lack there of – of mental illness.

          Just the term “mental illness” elicits negative connotations.  Terms like “crazy,” “nuts,” or “out of your mind” immediately surface.  While mental illness is, in many respects, much like any other physical malady, we perceive it to be much different, much worse, and less socially acceptable.  Indeed, social judgments associated with mental illness are pervasive – like somehow the mentally ill person is morally “bad” or just weak.

          The fact is that mental illness can be very similar to a biological illness having nothing to do with our moral character.  And as the statistics suggest, most of us will experience some form of mental illness during our lives.  For most, a bout of mental illness will be episodic and triggered by environmental stressors.  For others, it will be strictly biological in nature – the brain stops operating correctly requiring adjustment through medications.  For virtually everyone, if treated, the illness will be alleviated and the individual will be restored to health.  

Mental illness is surprisingly common:  more common and more costly than cancer.   Like cancer, if left untreated, mental illness can lead those afflicted to their death.  Isn’t it time we accepted mental illness for what it is – a treatable condition that needs treatment?

If you are aware of someone who needs help, or if you’d like more information, call Abilene Psychiatric Center today at 325-698-6600.  Experience for yourself that The Change is Remarkable.

Chris Kearney is the Administrator of the Abilene Psychiatric Center.  Mental Health Matters is sponsored by the Mental Health Association, phone (325) 673-2300, e-mail mhaa@bitstreet.com.  Need help?  Call the Hope Line (325) 677-7773.