NAMInet The NAMInet is a tremendous resource exclusively for our grassroots leadership. 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.
Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Over seven million people in this country and over five million children and adolescents suffer from a serious chronic brain disorder. These illnesses have a great impact on society. But far more important is the effect untreated mental illness has on the lives of individuals and their loved ones. These brain disorders are treatable.