Mental health is an important component of one’s overall health. It is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community” (World Health Organization, 2001).  It is estimated that about 20% of the population, or 1 in 5 people will experience some kind of mental illness during a one year period of time (Robins and Regier, 1991).  http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/hw2020/pdf/mentalhealth.pdf

Important Facts about Mental Illness

• Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses.  They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.  Mental illness falls along a continuum of severity.  Even though Mental illnesses are serious medical illnesses.  They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence.  Mental illness falls along a continuum of severity.  Even though mental illness is widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion-about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 Americans-who live with a serious mental illness.  The National Institute of Mental Health reports that One in four adults-approximately 57.7 million Americans-experience a mental health disorder in a given year
• The U.S. Surgeon General reports that 10 percent of children and adolescents in the United States suffer from serious emotional and mental disorders that cause significant functional impairment in their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers.
• The World Health Organization has reported that four of the 10 leading causes of disability in the US and other developed countries are mental disorders.  By 2020, Major Depressive illness will be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children.
• Mental illnesses usually strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.
• Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.
• The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments and supports.
• With appropriate effective medication and a wide range of services tailored to their needs, most people who live with serious mental illnesses can significantly reduce the impact of their illness and find a satisfying measure of achievement and independence.  A key concept is to develop expertise in developing strategies to manage the illness process.
• Early identification and treatment is of vital importance; By ensuring access to the treatment and recovery supports that are proven effective, recovery is accelerated and the further harm related to the course of illness is minimized.
• Stigma erodes confidence that mental disorders are real, treatable health conditions.  We have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness to erect attitudinal, structural and financial barriers to effective treatment and recovery.  It is time to take these barriers down.(http://www.nami.org/template.cfm?section=about_mental_illness)

Looking for a mental health professional? Find a list of area providers on 211’s website http://www.referweb.net/wimc/ or by calling 2-1-1.

Additional Resources: Locating care, learning more about different mental illnesses

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/getting-help-locate-services/index.shtml
http://www.mhawisconsin.org/home.aspx

Suicide

The National Institute of Mental Health states, “Suicide is the eleventh most common cause of death in the United States.  People may consider suicide when they are hopeless and can't see any other solution to their problems.  Often it's related to serious depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or a major stressful event.” There is help available. “Therapy and medicines can help most people who have suicidal thoughts.  Treating mental illnesses and substance abuse can reduce the risk of suicide” (NIH: National Institute of Mental Health).

Suicide Prevention Information

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
http://healthymarathoncounty.org/suicide-prevention/what-you-can-do/you-and-your-family/

Emergency Care:

Marathon County Crisis Center: 715-845-4326
Emergency Services: 911



http://suicidehotlines.com/wisconsin.html

Perinatal Depression

Women may experience depression during or after a pregnancy.  Find out more about depression, baby blues and postpartum depression here: http://www.perinatalweb.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=105
http://www.beyondtheblues.info/default.htm