SANE Reveals Mental Illness in America Is More Common Than People Think
Many of us continue to hold an outdated and simplistic image
of mental illness. The fact is these disorders are much more complex and
commonplace than most people realize. Mental illness is caused by a combination
of factors, and it’s not bound by age, race, gender, education or socioeconomic
status. The good news is mental disorders are often treatable medical
conditions, according to SANE, a new digital mental
health magazine launched by Smart + Strong.
SANE magazine’s
purpose is to help people living with mental illness overcome their fear of the
stigma associated with these disorders. SANE
also aims to promote a better understanding of those in the community it
serves.
In its premier issue, SANE
explores the seven most common forms of mental illness in the United States:
major depression, mild depression (a.k.a. dysthymia), bipolar disorder,
seasonal affective disorder (SAD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD),
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“One of the reasons so few people seek help for these
disorders is because fear of stigma makes them keep their mental health
struggles a secret,” says David Evans, SANE
magazine’s editor. Evans disclosed his bipolar disorder diagnosis years ago and
knows firsthand how important being open about his condition was in helping him
get treatment and support.
Also featured in this issue, mental health advocate and
author Terrie Williams details her battle with clinical depression. It’s a
triumphant story that reveals the unique ways stigma associated with this
disorder affects the African-American community. As Williams says: “Now is the
time to identify and name our pain—minus the myths and the stigmas—and seek the
help so many of us need.” To achieve exactly that, Williams created a national
mental health advocacy campaign called “Sharing Ourselves…Healing Starts With
Us” that tours the country offering a public forum where people can talk about
their experiences with depression.
According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
only one third of all people with major depression ever seek treatment. African
Americans and people older than 65 are the least likely to seek professional
help and treatment.
A big part of SANE’s
mission is to deconstruct the myths and misinformation about mental illness
that can lead to stigma and stop people from asking for the help and support
they need. “The truth is mental illness can be treated,” Evans says. “And no
one needs to suffer alone.”
ABOUT SMART + STRONG
Smart + Strong’s health-focused magazines and websites are
trusted sources of information produced by talented and dedicated people who
know what it’s like to live with—and overcome—health challenges. Their personal
experiences fuel their passion for providing information that inspires others
to advocate for their own best health.
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