The Arc of Western Wayne County: Serving people with disabilities

The Take Charge Helpline

What is Mental Illness?

Mental Illnesses are disorders of the brain that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, moods and their ability to relate to others.  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.  Five million people in this country alone suffer from a serious chronic brain disorder.  These illnesses greatly affect family members and society in general.  Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing.

Most importantly, these brain disorders are treatable.  Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms.  Supportive counseling, self-help groups, housing, vocational rehabilitation income assistance and other community services can also provide support and stability, leaving the focus on recovery.

If you would like more information on mental illness please contact The Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Michigan Chapter at 800-331-4264, or visit them online at www.namimi.org.

Phone code: 1725