1. Mental Illness Facts Mental illness is very common.
Psychiatric emergencies are rare but when they occur, it is very likely that law enforcement will be called upon to intervene.
Treatment for mental illness is effective.
Most persons suffering from mental illness are not receiving treatment.
Ignorance about mental illness leads to discrimination and social stigma.

2. What Causes Mental Illness?
Genetics
Vulnerability
Biochemical change
Environmental factors:
traumatic events
stressors
Genetics. Many genes can contribute to the development of MI, but just because a person has a gene doesn’t mean they will experience MI. Ongoing studies will help us better understand which genes play a role in which disorders.
Trauma. A traumatic event such as a death, war or sexual assault. The type of trauma—and a person’s age—affects whether a traumatic event will result in onset of symptoms.
Substance use. The use of marijuana, LSD, amphetamines and other substances can increase the risk in people who are already vulnerable.
It is not a case of nature VERSUS nurture; instead nature AND nurture play a factor in the development of mental illness

3. Mental Illness is Common
Mental illness is more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease. (NIMH, 1999)
1 in every 5 adults in America will experience a mental illness
1 in 25 adults in America live with a serious mental illness
50% of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14
75% of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 24
Mental illness can affect persons of all ages, races, socio-economic levels, religions, educational background and gender.
Ignorance about mental illness leads to discrimination and social stigma.
Huge continuum of experiences with symptomology
“A flaw in chemistry, not in character”

4. Psychosis Psychosis: 1 out of 100 people will experience an episode
Refers to difficulty in differentiating reality from fantasy.
Symptom, not an illness
May accompany Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis NOS, Paranoia, post-partum depression, other psychiatric and medical illnesses
May be substance/medication-induced
Symptoms are the physiological response to the substance and may cease after removal of the agent.
Psychotic disorders can be the direct consequence of a medical condition
Most people report psychosis as frightening and confusing
Medications issues can cause psychosis
Direct consequence of medical condition: auto-immune, Huntington’s, Alzeiheimers

5. Schizophrenia 1.1% Americans live with schizophrenia
Interferes with the ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others
Age of Onset:
Men: Late teens, early 20s
Women: Late 20s, early 30s
Rare in person younger than 12 or older than 40
Affects men and women equally
Can be difficult to identify in youth due to typical issues i.e. change of friends, drop in grades, sleep problems and irritability.

6. Bipolar Disorder Manic Episode
2.9% of Americans live with bipolar disorder
Formerly known as manic-depressive disorder
Average age of onset is 25
Individual will experience major depressive and manic episode(s)
Depressive Episode
5+ symptoms present for at least 2 weeks
Manic Episode
3+ symptoms are present for at least 1 week

7. Mania Period of abnormally elevated, euphoric mood
Racing thoughts
Increased irritability
Easily distracted
Increased goal-directed activity and energy
Excessive involvement in activities that have high potential for painful consequences (financially, sexually, etc)
Period of abnormally elevated, euphoric mood
Inflated self-esteem
Decreased need for sleep
More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
Increased risk of suicide attempts

8. What is anxiety? 18.1% of Americans live with an anxiety disorder
Physical Symptoms
Pounding or racing heart and shortness of breath
Upset stomach (frequent urination or diarrhea
Sweating, tremors and twitches
Headaches, fatigue, insomnia
Emotional Symptoms
Feelings of apprehension or dread
Feeling of tense and jumpy
Restlessness or irritability
Anticipating the worst and watching for signs of danger
Everyone experiences anxiety
can be motivational
Fear and distress are overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday things

9. For More Information info@namigc.org
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Mission: To provide hope and improve the quality of life for those whose lives are affected by mental illness, by providing information and referrals, education, support, advocacy, and active community outreach.
Contact:
NAMI CHICAGO
1536 W. Chicago Avenue