Mental Illness: How It Feels, How It Hurts
We all feel stress, sadness, worry, or a little out of touch sometimes. But with mental illness, like depression, these feelings don’t let go for days, months, or even years. This can result in feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide.
Clinical depression affects 14.8 million Americans. bi-polar disorder – aka manic depression – affects more than 5.7 million Americans (watch Lorette’s Story). And while schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder are less common, they too affect millions every year. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real concern for our military and others who have experienced trauma (watch Humberto’s Story). And young people – especially teenagers – are vulnerable to a variety of mental illness, including depression, anxiety or eating disorders (watch Colleen’s Story).
Featured Contributors: American Psychiatric Association, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Mental Health Awareness Campaign
Topic Videos: Mental Health
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What Is It? Mental illness is misunderstood. It’s an illness like any other. Watch -
Colleen’s Story Diagnosed with depression and anxiety when she was 13, she has learned that managing her symptoms is the key. Watch -
Why Does It Matter? Feelings of hopelessness and isolation can last for years. Left untreated, mental illness can ruin lives. Watch -
Humberto’s Story It took more than 30 years for Humberto to be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Now he helps others. Watch -
What Can I Do About It? Seek help for mental illness, and know that good mental health is within your reach. Watch -
Lorette’s Story Lorette was a successful attorney. Now she lives with bi-polar. But she’s in control and unashamed of her mental health. Watch
