More than 90% of people who kill themselves have a diagnosable mental disorder, most commonly a depressive disorder or a substance abuse disorder. National Institute of Mental Health
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Mental illness isolates and ostracizes, produces loneliness and despair, takes away one’s independence, dignity, and sometimes a home, a family, and a reason to live.
Mental illness is defined as a chemical imbalance in the brain which impairs the thought process but not intelligence. People suffering from this illness may experience delusions, hallucinations, extreme mood swings, poor concentration, and impaired functioning. With proper medication, the symptoms can be stabilized, and individuals can lead productive lives in the community.
There are 2.8 million people who have schizophrenia in this country (cost 80 billion per year: hospitalization, lost wages, disability payments) and 2 million individuals who endure bipolar disorder/manic depressive illness (cost $16 billion per year). With the availability of many new medications thousands of the individuals with psychiatric disabilities are conquering their illness on a daily basis.