Ending the Stigma
Stigma: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
More common than you think
The CDC reports that:
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More than 50% of Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.
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1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
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1 in 5 children, either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.
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1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
Causes
The CDC states that while there is no single cause for mental illness, there are a number of contributing factors including:
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Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
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Experiences related to other ongoing (chronic) medical conditions, such as cancer and diabetes
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Biological factors or chemical imbalances in the brain
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Use of alcohol or drugs
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Having feelings of loneliness or isolation
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