Mental Health 6 of 10 Mental Illness Mental illnesses affect thousands of people from every income level, race, gender, age and nationality. Mental illnesses are physical brain disorders that profoundly disrupt individuals' ability to think, feel and relate to others and their environment.
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer or heart disease.
More than five million Americans suffer an acute episode of mental illness each year. One in every five families is affected by a severe mental illness. Unfortunately, mental illness is often misunderstood. The myths and stigmas that surround mental illness mean that many people are not diagnosed and do not receive treatment. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, family upbringing or a lack of character.