People who become mentally ill should forget about ever having a normal life. Respectable, successful people never become mentally ill. Mental illness is different from mental retardation. Knowing the facts about mental illness means you can be a better friend when someone close to you becomes ill. There is no effective treatment for depression.
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer and heart disease combined.
One in five persons will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, and one family in four has a mentally ill member. Severe mental illnesses are caused by disrupted brain biochemistry. They are illnesses, just as diabetes, cancer and epilepsy are illnesses. Appropriate treatment, including medication, counseling, and rehabilitation services enable many people to manage their illness and live productive, satisfying lives. Even famous people can be affected.