Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s mood, thinking, and behavior. Mental illness can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
There are four common types of mental illness: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness, affecting more than 40 million adults in the United States. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Depression is the second most common type of mental illness. Depression affects more than 16 million adults in the United States. Symptoms of depression include persistent sad or “empty” mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, fatigue or decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, thoughts of death or suicide.
Bipolar disorder is the third most common type of mental illness. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5 million adults in the United States. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include feeling “high” or euphoric, having lots of energy, being very talkative, decreased need for sleep, engaging in risky behaviors. Symptoms of depression.
Anxiety disorders
There are many different types of anxiety disorders. Some of the most common include:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is when a person feels anxious or worried most days for at least six months. People with GAD may have a hard time concentrating or sleeping. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating or a fast heart rate.
Panic disorder: This is when a person has sudden and unexpected periods of intense fear or anxiety (panic attacks). Panic attacks may include physical symptoms such as a fast heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or shaking. People with panic disorder may avoid places where they’ve had panic attacks in the past (agoraphobia).
Social anxiety disorder: This is when a person feels extremely anxious about social situations such as meeting new people, going to parties, or speaking in front of groups. People with social anxiety disorder may avoid social situations altogether or they may use alcohol or drugs to cope with their fears.
Major depressive disorder
There are different types of depressive disorders, and each has its own unique set of symptoms. However, all types of depression share certain common features, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. People with clinical depression may also experience changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue and decreased concentration. In severe cases, depressed individuals may even have thoughts of suicide or attempt suicide.
Depressive disorders are real medical conditions that can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy or both. With proper treatment, most people with clinical depression will eventually experience significant improvement in their symptoms.
Access Community Health Network (ACCESS)
ACCESS is a community health network that provides comprehensive primary and behavioral healthcare services to residents of Cook County, Illinois. ACCESS serves over 400,000 patients annually at more than 150 sites throughout the county.
ACCESS provides a full range of primary care services, including preventive care, health education and counseling, chronic disease management, and specialty care referral. ACCESS also offers behavioral health services, including mental health assessment and counseling, substance abuse treatment, and crisis intervention. In addition to its clinical services, ACCESS also operates a number of community outreach programs designed to promote wellness and improve access to healthcare in underserved communities.
ACCESS was founded in 1974 as the Association for the Care of Children with Special Health Needs. It was one of the first community-based organizations in the country to address the needs of children with chronic illnesses and disabilities. In its early years, ACCESS operated a summer camp for children with special needs and provided respite care for families caring for sick children at home.