The Stigma of Mental Illness Is Finally Fading
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Today there is hope for people with mental illness. Many
wonderful treatments have been and are being developed. New
medications are now available.
Mental illness strikes people of all ages from all walks of
life. Mental illness is the most prevalent health problem in
Virginia today, more common than cancer, lung disease and heart
disease combined. Those who suffer from mental illness may
be your neighbors, your co-workers or your friends.
Someone in your family may be struggling with mental
illness. Maybe it is you.
The best way to help yourself or someone else with mental
illness is to be able to recognize its signs and symptoms.
Any combination of the following may be an indicator of a mental
illness:
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- Changes in daily routine (sleeping, eating)
- Confused thinking or speech
- Delusions
- Substance abuse
- Prolonged depression
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations
- Excessive fears, worries or anxiety
- Strong feelings of anger
- Suicidal thoughts or threats
- Withdrawal from friends and usual activities
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Mental Illness In Virginia
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If someone you know suffers from mental illness, they are not
alone. Mental illness is a serious problem in our state and
nation. It is important that we understand that mental
illness, such as with any illness, is a health issue that can
strike anyone.
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- Mental illness strikes one out of four Virginians every
year.
- More than one million adult Virginians suffer from one or
more mental illnesses in their lifetime.
- More than 63,000 Virginians are disabled with a diagnosed
mental illness.
- Sixteen percent of all school children in Virginia are
experiencing or are at risk of incurring a mental illness.
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