Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.

When we know someone is struggling with a mental illness it is important to encourage that they seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. Furthermore, we can all help those individuals and families who are affected by mental illness by showing them understanding and compassion. An encouraging attitude and simple acts of kindness can make all the difference in someone's recovery. However, because of the stigma, mental illness is often a hidden sorrow. With this in mind, it becomes even more important for us to withhold judgment of one another and look for understanding. It is yet another reminder of the importance of our charge to strengthen and uplift one another unequivocally.