Mental Illness Awareness Week: 5 Things to Know About Mental Illness

mental illness awareness

Each year, Mental Health America takes time during the first week of October to raise awareness of the mental health crisis and the resources we have to fight it. Nearly 50 million American adults live with a mental health condition and more than half do not receive treatment. 

It’s important that people know how to recognize the signs of mental illness, as there are treatment options available for mild, moderate and severe mental disorders. Plus, early intervention is key to reducing long-term suffering and preventing substance use. 

Below are five important facts about mental illness that everyone should know. 

1. Mental illness is common and can affect anyone. 

Mental health problems are very common. In 2020, about one in five American adults experienced a mental health issue. One in six young people experienced a major depressive episode and one in 20 had a serious mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Suicide also remains a leading cause of death and took the lives of nearly 46,000 people in 2020. 

2. Children can experience mental health problems, too. 

About half of mental health disorders first show signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 75 percent show signs before age 24. Therefore, mental disorders affect children, too. Unfortunately, many children do not get the help they need, and their symptoms affect their school and home life. 

The most common signs of mental illness in children are: 

  • Getting poor grades 
  • Avoiding friends and family 
  • Having frequent outbursts of anger 
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits 
  • Acting out against authority 
  • Constantly worrying 
  • Talking about hurting themselves 

3. Having a mental illness can raise the risk for substance use. 

Roughly half of people who have a mental health problem also struggle with addiction. While it’s not exactly clear what comes first, there is a strong correlation between mental health and substance use. 

Researchers believe that people who have mental illness are more likely to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol, while these substances can also cause problems in the brain. A dual diagnosis treatment center is best equipped to treat both conditions simultaneously. 

4. It is possible to recover from mental illness. 

Like addiction, mental illness is a treatable condition. In fact, both disorders are caused by a combination of factors like genes, life experiences and family history. They have nothing to do with being weak, lazy or unmotivated. 

Most places that provide dual diagnosis treatment in Arizona will address both mental health and substance use disorders using a combination of therapy and medication. As long as clients stick to the program and aftercare plan, they tend to do very well in building a meaningful and productive life. 

5. Therapy is an important part of recovery. 

If there was a magic pill that worked, everyone would be able to take it and feel better! While medication is an important piece of the puzzle, treatment is more than medicine. It often involves therapy as well, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR. The benefit to therapy is that clients get to understand why they feel the way they do and learn techniques for managing their emotions. 

Get Help for a Dual Diagnosis Today 

Wolf Creek Recovery is a dual diagnosis treatment center that provides care for mental health and substance use disorders. Our drug rehab centers in Arizona have a wide range of treatment options, allowing you to find a combination that works for you. 

Many of us have been down this road before, so we can also provide you with a unique level of understanding, support and compassion. Contact our team today to learn more about starting treatment at recovery centers in Arizona.