Let’s normalize mental health!

Using numbers compiled by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), let’s borrow the idea of a village of 100 people, because it’s a lot easier to imagine 100 people than millions, in order to see just how we fit in the picture. So imagine, out the next 100 adults you encounter…

• 20 are currently diagnosed with a mental illness
• 31 have had some type of anxiety disorder in their lifetime
• 9 will have an eating disorder in their lifetime
• 8 have experienced at least 1 major depressive episode in the past year
• 4 have been diagnosed with PTSD
• 5 have ADHD
• 3 have bipolar disorder disorder
• 1 has schizophrenia
• 3 will have experienced an episode of psychosis in their lifetime
• 75 (yes, 3/4 of people) will experience an episode of depersonalization/ derealization in their lifetime

These are just the numbers for adults and actual numbers are likely higher since so many people do not seek help. That’s a lot of people who have personal experience with a mental health problem. Now think of the ripple effect of mental illness — how it impacts the lives of those with mental and emotional disorders, their family and friends, the community, everybody.

You are not alone!