Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. It is among the most common health conditions in the United States. One in five adults are living with mental illness. Over one in five youth (ages 13-18) have had seriously debilitating mental illness either currently or at some point during their lives. Further, about one in 25 adults live with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression. The sooner we recognize  those suffering from mental illness don’t fit a certain “mold,” the sooner we can change the stigma surrounding mental health.

I have been diagnosed with one of those serious mental illnesses, Bipolar 1 disorder. I am 40 years old and a wife, mom of three, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. I have a job I love and a family I love even more. My faith has given me the courage to know I am worth getting help and that God has a plan for my life regardless of my trials. Yet, I still fight not to let my mental illness take that life I deeply treasure daily. 

But it doesn't just affect middle-aged moms or teens. For example, did you know several farmers silently suffer from a mental illness? 

As a community we often forget farming is filled with long hours, social isolation, and economic difficulties. Physical challenges can cause additional stress to farmers. As we are seeing increasing economic difficulties, finances are another significant area of stress. Recognizing that is important for consumers when seeking ways to support local producers. Farmers are vital to our community and nation, so every producer and their health is important. Making connections and spending time away from the farm with others is also extremely important. 

Homelessness is influenced by more factors than most realize. While financial distress, a lack of affordable housing, and domestic violence are all drivers of homelessness, serious mental illness is related to a significant portion of those that are homeless.

So, why does mental illness affect such a wide variety of people? Below the Mayo Clinic defines some of the causes and risk factors for mental illness.

Causes

Mental illnesses, in general, are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors:

Inherited traits. Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have a mental illness. Certain genes may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, and your life situation may trigger it.

Environmental exposures before birth. Exposure to environmental stressors, inflammatory conditions, toxins, alcohol or drugs while in the womb can sometimes be linked to mental illness.

Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that carry signals to other parts of your brain and body. When the neural networks involving these chemicals are impaired, the function of nerve receptors and nerve systems change, leading to depression and other emotional disorders.

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing a mental illness, including:

A history of mental illness in a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling

Stressful life situations, such as financial problems, a loved one's death or a divorce

An ongoing (chronic) medical condition, such as diabetes

Brain damage as a result of a serious injury (traumatic brain injury), such as a violent blow to the head

Traumatic experiences, such as military combat or assault

Use of alcohol or recreational drugs

A childhood history of abuse or neglect

Few friends or few healthy relationships

A previous mental illness

Mental illness is common. About 1 in 5 adults has a mental illness in any given year. Mental illness can begin at any age, from childhood to later adulthood, but most cases start earlier in life.

The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long-lasting. You also can have more than one mental health disorder simultaneously. For example, you may have depression and a substance use disorder.

The call to action to break the stigma around mental illness has to be a priority to all as the complications that can stem from untreated mental illness can be debilitating. 

Complications

Mental illness is a leading cause of disability. Untreated mental illness can cause severe emotional, behavioral and physical health problems. Complications sometimes linked to mental illness include:

Unhappiness and decreased enjoyment of life

Family conflicts

Relationship difficulties

Social isolation

Problems with tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

Missed work or school, or other problems related to work or school

Legal and financial problems

Poverty and homelessness

Self-harm and harm to others, including suicide or homicide

Weakened immune system, so your body has a hard time resisting infections

Heart disease and other medical conditions

To truly understand the consequences of mental health and gaining compassion for those affected is one huge step towards breaking the stigma. Breaking the stigma helps encourage open conversations, promotes understanding and helps people seek support without judgment.