Mental health, and the absence of mental illness, is important just as is
physical health. The healthier we are the more likely we will function better
in relationships, at work, and in society. Individuals, families, and friends
that experience mental illness are impacted in various ways. The ultimate loss
is manifested by suicides. We live in a society where large numbers of people
commit suicide.
- Depression may not appear to be a life-threatening illness, yet an estimated
50 percent of the people who succeed in committing suicide were suffering
from depression (NAMI, Understanding Major Depression).
- Suicide is the number one cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia,
with an estimated 10-13 percent committing suicide (Torrey, 2000, June).
Enhancing the mental health of each individual is important in our country,
state, and the Travis County community because untreated mental illnesses negatively
affect the young and elderly, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, and professional
and blue-collar workers. The need of mental health is a cross-cutting issue
that impacts all of the Community Action Network issue areas.
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Description of Adult Mental Health Home Page
