Explanation Mental illnesses are disorders of the brain that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, moods, and ability to relate to others. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are brain disorders that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income.
Five million people in this country alone suffer from a serious chronic brain disorder. These illnesses greatly affect family members and society in general. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weaknesses, lack of character, or poor upbringing.