First, mental health is fundamental to overall health and the public health of our nation. Mental health is indispensable to personal well-being and to leading a balanced and productive life. Second, mental disorders are real. In this report, we have established the clear scientific base showing that brain chemistry affects behavior, and behavior can affect brain chemistry. There is no longer any scientific justification for distinguishing between mental illness and other forms of illness in terms of physical and chemical manifestations.
Mental illnesses ARE physical illnesses.
I hope that as more people become aware of this prevalence they are convinced once and for all that it is time we end the blame and stigma that have traditionally surrounded mental illness in this country. Third, not only are mental disorders and mental health problems real, they are treatable. A scientific revolution has taken place over the last 25 years in our understanding of mental health and mental illness that has resulted in a vast array of safe and effective options to treat mental disorders. These treatments will allow people with mental disorders to return to productive life. But there is also unsettling news in this report.