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Background

“Mental Illness is not a personal failure. It doesn't happen only to other people” World Health Organisation (WHO).
There are many different forms of mental illness, and surveys of self-reported illness suggest that one in four adults experiences some level of mental health problem (most commonly anxiety and depressive conditions).
Often these involve feelings of depression, anxiety and confusion – all of which most people get at some time or another, particularly after a distressing event such as bereavement.
But with mental illness these feelings occur to such an extent or over such a long period of time that they make it difficult for a person to cope with everyday life.
But, like anyone else, people with mental health problems may have physical illnesses too, which may be unconnected with their mental illness.
Mental illness severe enough to need professional assistance is as common as heart disease and three times as common as cancer. One in ten people suffer from it and up to one in five children.

Despite the widespread incidence of mental health problems, the idea of 'mental illness' remains remote from most people's experience, and often conveys disturbing images associated with, for example:

People who have a mental health problem are very rarely dangerous, despite well-publicised cases that may cause fear and misunderstanding among the public.
Like any other illness, people with mental health problems should be treated as individuals with unique circumstances, not according to perceptions of any illness.

Features of different mental illnesses include:

Psychosis – at some stage in their lives many people develop psychotic symptoms which mean their ability to distinguish between what is real and what is imaginary is seriously affected. Psychotic disorders include schizophrenia and manic depressive illness.

Schizophrenia – this affects the most basic functions that give people their sense of individuality, uniqueness and direction. It can cause them to hallucinate (e.g. hear voices) develop feelings of bewilderment and fear, and to believe that their deepest thoughts, feelings and actions may be known to or controlled by others. People often become withdrawn and lethargic.

Manic-Depressive illness (also known as bipolar affective disorder) – often causes profound changes in mood from severe depression and lethargy to elation and over-activity. These severe mood swings significantly affect a person's ability to function, concentrate and participate in their normal personal relations. They can also affect people's judgement so that they make decisions or act in ways they later regret.

Neurosis – is a broad term previously used to describe anxiety, stress related disorders and depression, but it has been used in such a vague way for so long that its usage is becoming less common.

Depressive disorder – is a condition in which feelings like depression, loss of interest, reduced energy, suicidal thoughts and sleep and appetite disturbances go beyond normal mood changes. Children can also be affected.

Anxiety states – include phobic, panic and general anxiety disorders in which anxiety symptoms such as worry, tension, over-breathing and giddiness cause significant distress and disability.

Dementia – leads to a decline in a person's intellectual functioning and memory. People, particularly older people, can become very confused; their memory for current events is impaired but they may be able to recall events from many years ago with great clarity.

(Source: “Less Disabling” Equality for Disabled people in the HPSS Access to Services)

Background | Facts and Statistics | Health and Social Care

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