Who are the mentally ill? They are our family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The severity of this illness can vary from person to person. Some individuals can perform daily tasks, including work, while others whose illness is more severe struggle just to get through the day and become unemployable. Mental illness affects both men and women, regardless of age, education, income, or social status. It is a lifelong illness with recurring episodes. There is currently no cure. However, with proper treatment, many people with a mental illness can lead fulfilling, happy, and productive lives both personally and professionally.
Mental illness refers to a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking and behavior. The more common major mental illnesses include: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Based on early 2026 statistics citing the National Institute of Health, one in five U.S. adults, approximately 59.3 million adults, or 23.1% of the adult population, are living with a mental illness.
Years ago, when we deinstitutionalized the mentally ill, states passed laws making it illegal to force mentally ill adults to be treated or take their medications. Once you reach the age of 18, you have a civil right to refuse treatment and remain mentally ill until you become suicidal or homicidal, as determined by judges at commitment hearings. Only a small fraction of individuals with a diagnosed mental illness ever becomes violent, and then usually when they fail to get treatment or take their medications. Catching the problem early is crucial. Yet families seeking help are often turned away, or else lose control when the individual turns 18…