Every year, one in four Americans suffers from a diagnosable
mental disorder that interferes with their ability to function
at work or school or in their daily lives, according to the
National Institute of Mental Health. Some people may have more
than one mental disorder. Yet many of those with a mental
disorder don't seek treatment. Nearly 30 percent of people
surveyed in 2006 by the American Psychological Association said
they wouldn't go to a mental health professional because they
didn't think treatment would help. Others don't get help because
they don’t recognize the symptoms. Yet others may not seek
treatment because they can't afford it. The unfortunate result
can be a worsening of symptoms and, in some cases, suicide.
People who don’t realize mental illnesses are as real as heart
disease or cancer and require and respond well to treatment tend
to keep their symptoms and feelings to themselves. But
understanding that mental illness isn’t a weakness or defect in
character helps people seek help and pro