Genetic factors may create a predisposition in some people, and life stresses may trigger the onset of symptoms. Brain disorders are very common. In one year 30.7 million Americans are affected. Over 3 million children and adolescents suffer from these illnesses. Mental illness is an equal opportunity disease which strikes families from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, income, religion, or education.
Mental illness is devastating to all persons and their families.
One's ability to think, feel and relate are disrupted, seriously reducing the ability to live a normal life. All family members are affected. Mental illness is nobody's fault and it is not a character weakness. It is not caused by poor parenting. You don't catch it from a doorknob or from the person sitting next to you on the bus.