The National Institute of Mental Health's statistics show 35 million Americans have some form of mental illness in any give six months. About two thirds of Americans who have a mental illness live in the community, either with their family or in various types of community living settings. Children do not get mental illness. Twelve million children and adolescents do suffer diagnosable mental disorders including depression, attention deficit disorder, and conduct disorder. A person can recover from a mental illness by turning his or her thoughts positively and with prayer.
Recovery is possible when the person receives the necessary treatment and supportive services.
People who have mental illness are dangerous. People who have a mental illness are no more violent than someone suffering from cancer, diabetes, or any other serious disease. More often, they are the victims of violence. People suffering from even the most severe mental illnesses are in touch with reality as often as they are actively psychotic. If people with other handicaps can cope on their own, people who have a mental illness should be able to do so as well.