Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. Mental illness is common. In a given year:

◦ nearly one in five (19 percent) U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness

◦ one in 24 (4.1 percent) has a serious mental illness*

◦ one in 12 (8.5 percent) has a diagnosable substance use disorder

Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.

Mental Health Vs. Mental Illness

Mental Health… involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in

◦ Productive activities (work, school, caregiving)

◦ Healthy relationships

◦ Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity

Mental Illness...refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving

◦ Significant changes in thinking, emotion and/or behavior

◦ Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities

Mental health is the foundation for emotions, thinking, communication, learning, resilience and self-esteem.   Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society.

Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes. And mental health conditions are treatable. We are continually expanding our understanding of how the human brain works, and treatments are available to help people successfully manage mental health conditions.

Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24. Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as certain phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital.

Tips for Talking About Mental Health/Illness

1. Set time aside with no distractions: It is important to provide an open and non-judgmental space with no distractions.
2. Let them share as much or as little as they want to: Let the person lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t put pressure on them to tell you anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Talking can take a lot of trust and courage. You might be the first person they have been able to talk to about this.
3. Don't try to diagnose or second guess their feelings: You probably aren’t a medical expert and, while you may be happy to talk and offer support, you aren’t a trained counselor. Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong or jump in too quickly with your own diagnosis or solutions.
4. Keep questions open ended: Say "Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?" rather than "I can see you are feeling very low.” Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to answer and try not to grill them with too many questions.
5. Talk about wellbeing: Talk about ways of de-stressing or practicing self-care and ask if they find anything helpful. Exercising, having a healthy diet and getting a good nights sleep can help protect mental health and sustain wellbeing.
6. Listen carefully to what they tell you: Repeat what has been said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel, you are letting them know you respect their feelings.
7. Offer help in seeking professional support and provide information on ways to do this: You might want to offer to go with them, help make an appointment, or help them talk to a friend or family member. Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions. Clinical Associates, your EAP provider can assist with mental illness and there is no charge for your first several visits, depending on your employer.
8. Know your limits: Ask for help if the problem is serious. If you believe they are in immediate danger or they have injuries that need medical attention, you need to take action to make sure they are safe.



https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem