Mental illnesses are diseases that cause mild to severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and behavior. These disturbances may significantly impair a person’s ability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines. Just like physical illnesses, mental illnesses vary greatly by type and severity.

Mental health has to do with how you feel about yourself, how you feel about others, and how you are able to meet and handle the demands of life. It is not the absence of problems. Rather, it describes the ability to balance problems with appropriate coping skills. We know that the right amount of sleep and exercise, a proper diet, appropriate medical care, and caring relationships can go a long way toward improving both our physical and mental health.

A. Yes, depending on the type and severity of the mental illness, a person can learn to cope, improve, or experience a full recovery with proper care and treatment. Recently, there have been significant advancements in treatments for schizophrenia and clinical depression.