Mental illness – when we hear these words, many of us feel a little uncertain or uneasy because we don’t understand what it means. . Perhaps we feel a little shaken because of the images of persons with mental illness we see and hear around us. Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people but the fear could disappear as they learn more about it.

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. Mental illness occurs when the brain, just like any other organ such as the heart, or the kidney does not work the way it should. Mental illness fundamentally changes the way a person thinks, feels, acts and reacts.

Most people believe that mental disorders are rare and it “happens to others.” In fact, mental illnesses are common and widespread. Statistics show that one in every four persons have a mental health problem at some point in their life. They range from common problems, such as depression, phobia and anxiety, to severe ones such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It affects male and female, young and old, poor and rich alike and is found in every ethno-cultural and socio-economic group. In reality, mental health problems are a common human experience. Most people often know someone closely who has experienced a mental health problem.

In the links below , you will find helpful resources that provide more information to further your understanding of mental illnesses.