Nearly one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, according to the national education and advocacy nonprofit Mental Health America.
Under the mental health umbrella, anxiety disorders are most prevalent. Mental health professionals agree that the fear and isolation brought on by the recent pandemic have only exacerbated this problem.
But mental health issues include everything from bipolar disorder and clinical depression to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, along with autism spectrum disorders. Included also are post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia with psychosis, as well as eating disorders, and beyond.
The most important thing to remember is that mental health disorders are no different than any other ailments we face, whether it’s heart disease, diabetes or cancer.
These are brain disorders that can be treated. Those diagnosed and treated earlier fare much better.
It is in that spirit that we present this supplement about mental health, in the hope that if the signs and symptoms sound familiar, and you or someone you care about needs help, the resources and tools will be provided to direct you to treatment.
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