Taken collectively mental illnesses are the most prevalent health problem in America today. Mental illness is more common than cancer, lung, and heart disease combined. Ironically, mental illness is less regarded and receives fewer resources than most physical health problems. Depression is predicted to be the 2nd greatest cause of premature death and disability worldwide by 2020. Nearly two-thirds of all people with diagnosable mental disorders do not seek treatment.
Depression greatly increases the risk of developing heart disease.
People with depression are more than 4 times as likely to have a heart attack than those without a history of the illness. 1 in 4 people with cancer also suffer from depression. Mental Health Matters to Children and Families 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. 1 in 10 may suffer from a serious emotional disturbance. Less than one-third of the children under 18 with a serious emotional disturbance receive mental health services.