Mental Illnesses

Introduction

If you, or someone in your family, has a serious mental illness and/ or substance abuse problem, there are things you can do to ease the struggle and places you can turn to for assistance. It is important to know that mental illnesses are medical problems and by knowing the warning signs you can seek help. It is also very important to know that using alcohol and other drugs can lead to addiction problems and when mental illness and substance abuse co-occurs (happens together) life is very complicated.

You are not alone. We can educate you and make referrals for services and treatment. This resource guide was created to help people get help. It is our hope that you will keep this resource guide and that this information will be helpful as you try to understand and cope with mental illnesses and substance abuse.

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is a term used for a group of mental disorders that cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating, often resulting in an inability to cope with the ordinary demands of everyday life. Mental illnesses can affect anyone at any age. Mental illnesses are real and are treatable.

Symptoms of Mental Illness

The symptoms are varied and every person with mental illness is different. Learning about each of the disorders will help you understand what the illness is and how to recover.

Click here to view our resources on mental illnesses.