What is Mental Illness?
When we think about our health, most of us think of physical health and tend to forget about our mental well being. This is understandable, given the lack of information we often have about mental health and how easy it is to confuse a mental illness with bad behavior or passing moods, due to stress or lack of sleep, for example. However, we cannot afford to ignore mental health, as it is part of our overall health, and just like our heart or lungs, our brain can also get sick. Unfortunately, lack of information and stigma has kept us from seeking help for illnesses that will affect one of five Americans at some point in their lifetime.
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Not recognizing these illnesses for what they are can lead to substance abuse, ruined relationships, broken homes, and even incarceration. Mental illnesses are not caused by weakness of character, bad upbringing, demon possession, or lack of faith. They are serious biological conditions of the brain that, fortunately, can be treated.
With an accurate diagnosis, effective medication, psychotherapy, attention to health and wellness, and peer and family support, most people living with mental illness can obtain relief from their symptoms and lead satisfying and meaningful lives. Recovery is possible! (exerpt from A Family Guide to Mental Health: What you Need to Know -2007- by National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Not recognizing these illnesses for what they are can lead to substance abuse, ruined relationships, broken homes, and even incarceration. Mental illnesses are not caused by weakness of character, bad upbringing, demon possession, or lack of faith. They are serious biological conditions of the brain that, fortunately, can be treated.
With an accurate diagnosis, effective medication, psychotherapy, attention to health and wellness, and peer and family support, most people living with mental illness can obtain relief from their symptoms and lead satisfying and meaningful lives. Recovery is possible! (exerpt from A Family Guide to Mental Health: What you Need to Know -2007- by National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Mental Illness by Disorder
At the heart of NAMI Rockland's Mission is education. We want to get information about mental illness out to everyone, because information is power. The information that is available here on our website is merely a place to start. It is gathered from the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYS OMH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI - our national affiliate).
This information is not meant to be used to diagnose anyone. It is information that you can now take to your health and/or mental health provider to begin a discussion of what you or your family member is experiencing. Know that there is treatment and know that recovery is possible! Also, know that you are not alone and we are are to help! Call us at (845) 359-8787
This information is not meant to be used to diagnose anyone. It is information that you can now take to your health and/or mental health provider to begin a discussion of what you or your family member is experiencing. Know that there is treatment and know that recovery is possible! Also, know that you are not alone and we are are to help! Call us at (845) 359-8787
