Summary
Read the full fact sheet- Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may impact on a person's thoughts, perceptions, feelings and behaviours.
- Mental illness can affect working and personal relationships.
- Medication, counselling or both can help you manage mental illness.
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Related information
-
The following services provide specialised healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
-
Victorian mental health services provide expert advice and support for people of all ages
-
A common misconception is that anorexia nervosa only affects young women, but it affects males and females of all ages.
-
Anxiety disorders are common mental health problems that affect many people.
-
Your local doctor can conduct an initial mental health assessment and may refer you to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on your needs.
From other websites
Content disclaimer
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.
Also called: Mental illness
Mental disorders [or mental illnesses] are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood, and behavior. They may be occasional or long-lasting [chronic]. They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. There are many different
types of mental disorders. Some common ones include: There is no single cause for mental illness. A number of factors can contribute to risk for mental illness, such as: Mental disorders are not caused by character flaws. They have nothing to
do with being lazy or weak. Mental disorders are common. More than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some time in their life. The steps to getting a diagnosis include: Treatment depends on which mental disorder you have and how serious it is. You and your provider will work on a treatment plan just for you. It usually involves some type of therapy. You may also take medicines. Some people also need social
support and education on managing their condition. In some cases, you may need more intensive treatment. You may need to go to a psychiatric hospital. This could be because your mental illness is severe. Or it could be because you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else. In the hospital, you will get counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals and other patients.Summary
What are mental disorders?
What are some types of mental disorders?
What causes mental disorders?
Who is at risk for mental disorders?
How are mental disorders diagnosed?
What are the treatments for mental disorders?
Start Here
- Mental Illness [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Warning Signs of Mental Illnesses [American Psychiatric Association] - PDF
- Mental Health Screening [National Library of Medicine] Also in Spanish
- Mental Health: What's Normal, What's Not? [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Dissociative Disorders [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Factitious Disorder [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Illness Anxiety Disorder [Hypochondriasis] [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research]
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Kleptomania [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders [American Academy of Family Physicians] Also in Spanish
- What's the Difference between Normal Stress and an Adjustment Disorder? [Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research] Also in Spanish
- Mental Health Screening Center [Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance]
- Behavioral Health Equity [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
- FastStats: Mental Health [National Center for Health Statistics]
- Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
- Learn About Mental Health [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]
- Mental Illness Statistics [National Institute of Mental Health]
-
Women and Mental Health [National Institute of Mental Health]
- Adjustment disorder [Medical Encyclopedia] Also in Spanish
- Conversion disorder [Medical Encyclopedia] Also in Spanish
- Illness anxiety disorder [Medical Encyclopedia] Also in Spanish
- Somatic symptom disorder [Medical Encyclopedia] Also in Spanish