Mental and behavioral disorders and serious emotional disturbances in children and adolescents can lead to school failure, alcohol or drug use, violence, or suicide. Americans 65 years of age and older may experience mental disorders that are not part of normal aging. These include depression, anxiety, and dementia. Consumer and family organizations, concerned about fragmentation and inaccessibility of mental health services, encourage individuals to seek needed mental health services. Such groups work to prevent discrimination towards persons with mental illness, promote self-help groups, promote recovery from mental illness, and overcome stigma associated with mental illness, all of which create barriers to providing and receiving effective mental health treatment.
Suicide represents one of the leading causes of preventable death.
It occurs most frequently as a consequence of a mental disorder. Although women attempt suicide more often than men, completed suicide is significantly higher among men. Suicide is attempted most frequently during adolescence and through mid-life. Increase the number of persons who receive mental health screening and assessment in a primary health care setting. The primary health care setting is the initial point of contact for many adults with mental disorders.