Overview
From the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Good mental health is fundamental to the health and well-being of every person and of the nation as a whole. People who understand how to protect and improve their mental health, and know when to seek help for themselves or someone close to them will lead happy, healthier lives.
Mental illnesses include such disorders as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, borderline personality disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain. These disorders can profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms, but also rely on supportive counseling, self-help groups, assistance with housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other community services in order to achieve their highest level of recovery.
Facts about Mental Illnesses
From the National Institute on Mental Health and Mental Health America
- Research shows that one in five Wisconsinites, including children, will be affected by a mental illness this year. Nearly two-thirds of those with a diagnosable mental disorder do not get the treatment and support that can help them recover.
- Up to one in 10 children have a serious emotional disorder. However, 40 percent of all children with a serious emotional disorder do not receive mental health services.
- More than three times as many people died of suicide in Wisconsin in 2006 compared to homicides. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Wisconsinites aged 15-34. And 90 percent of persons who complete suicide had a mental illness or substance abuse disorder. Research found that in the month prior to completing suicide, 75 percent of elderly persons had visited a physician.
- Depression is not a normal part of aging. Because depression co-occurs with many health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer, older adults with these conditions have heightened risk for drug interactions and side effects with changes in mood and behavior in addition to social/economic/ health and other concerns. Health care professionals may mistake clinical depression as a normal part of these physical illnesses. These factors contribute to under-diagnosis and under-treatment.
- Some mental illnesses can be caused by biochemical disturbances in the brain, or are triggered by exposure to trauma and acts of violence, or extremely stressful events such as rape, combat, domestic violence, bullying, or a natural disaster.
- People can and do recover from mental illness. Best practice treatment options include a combination of medication and psychotherapy, which have treatment success rates (80-90%) that are significantly higher than treatment success rates for several physical illnesses, such as heart disease (45-50%).
Outreach Materials:
- Resources for Employers: Companies that proactively address overall mental health in the workplace can realize significant benefits. Mental health friendly practices can bring greater productivity, reduced insurance costs, and improved retention. The following site contains materials including a booklet on a Mental Health Friendly Workplace and a toolkit about Creating Mental Health Friendly Work Environments. More Information.
- Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace Employer Resources from the Mental Health America of Wisconsin.
- Presentation on Mental Health Parity: Powerpoint Version | PDF Version |
- Presentation on Promoting Mental Health in the Workplace: Powerpoint Version | PDF Version |
- Handouts (all in PDF format):
State / Local Resources:
Wisconsin United For Mental Health
Wisconsin United for Mental Health (WUMH) is a coalition of Wisconsin citizens who share a dream of a society in which people are not labeled or judged as lesser or unworthy on the basis of health diagnosis. The coalition is committed to working in unity for the purpose of eliminating the stigma of mental illness. WUMH recognizes the strength of a small group of committed citizens and works primarily to identify and develop opportunities to teach people that mental illnesses are real, common and treatable.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin
Promotes mental health, preventing mental disorders and achieving victory over mental illness through advocacy, education, information and support.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – Wisconsin
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI National) was founded in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1980. NAMI National is now an organization serving more than 200,000 people affected by mental illness. NAMI Wisconsin has 34 affiliates serving 40 counties throughout the state, with a membership of nearly 5,000 people.
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services – Mental Health Resources
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National Resources:
DisabilityInfo.gov – Mental Health Section
DisabilityInfo.gov is a comprehensive online resource designed to provide people with disabilities with quick and easy access to the information they need. With just a few clicks, the site provides access to disability-related information and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including benefits, civil rights, community life, education, employment, housing, health, technology and transportation. DisabilityInfo.gov is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in partnership with 21 other federal agencies.
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons living with serious mental illness and their families. The NAMI organization operates at the local, state and national levels. Each level of the organization provides support, education, information and referral and advocacy to support the fifteen million Americans who live with serious mental illness and their families. Local affiliates and state organizations identify and work on issues most important to their community and state.
SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center provides information about mental health via a toll-free telephone number (800-789-2647), this website, and more than 600 publications. It was developed for users of mental health services and their families, the general public, policy makers, providers, and the media. The website contains a lot of valuable resources including:
- Mental Health Services Locator
- Mental Health FAQs: Answers to some frequently asked questions.
- Mental Health Links: Links to other related resources on mental health.
- Mental Health Topic: Work and Community Support
- Anti-Stigma: Do You Know the Facts?
Mental Health America
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country's leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives. With our more than 320 affiliates nationwide, we represent a growing movement of Americans who promote mental wellness for the health and well-being of the nation – everyday and in times of crisis.
American Psychiatric Association (APA)
American Psychiatric Association's online resource for anyone seeking mental health information. Here you will find information on many common mental health concerns, including warning signs of mental disorders, treatment options and preventative measures.
Youth, Employment, Mental Health Needs And Accommodations
A fact sheet that provides information on disclosure, accommodations and examples of reasonable accommodations for youth with mental health needs entering the workforce.
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