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A Letter to the Editor As the recent horrific events at NIU unfolds and the number of news media addresses the issue of gun controls, Family Service would be remiss in our duty to say that “mental health” should be the top issue on our minds – not guns. What happens to our society when necessary services for mental health are no longer available to those less fortunate? That individuals are not receiving proper mental health assessments and treatment that would help them live a normal, productive life should be paramount to every individual and in every community. From children to grandparents, one in five Americans will experience a serious emotional disturbance or mental illness each year. According to SAMHSA, in 2005 there were an estimated 24.6 million adults aged 18 or older who experienced serious psychological distress which is highly correlated to serious mental illness. Unfortunately only 20% of these individuals will receive the care they need to recover despite the treatment success rates for such disorders as depression (more than 80 percent), panic disorder (70-90 percent) and schizophrenia (60 percent), We can no longer afford to ignore illnesses so prevalent in our community. In fact, mental illness is more prevalent than cancer, lung disease, and heart disease combined. This has lead the U.S. Surgeon General to declare mental illness one of our nation's key public health issues. Mental health matters to overall health and is vital to maintaining good physical health. "The advances made in treatments and services for mental illnesses offer the hope of recovery for all," said Acting Surgeon General Dr. Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H. "Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. It is an illness that should be treated with the same urgency and compassion as any other illness. And just like any other illness, the support of friends and family members is key to recovery." Persons suffering from mental illness are no more violent than someone who suffers from heart disease, diabetes or some other serious disease. Research supports this reality. Crimes against those suffering from mental illness have however increased dramatically. Those suffering from an illness are targeted by members of society because of the stigma associated with mental illness and the perception of helplessness and isolation experienced by this population. Senseless barriers such as stigma, misunderstanding, and discrimination can be torn down by recognizing that mental illnesses are real, common, and treatable. For more information about mental illness and treatment please join Family Service and NAMI-Metro Suburban at one of our upcoming events during the two year Campaign for Mental Health Recovery or contact Family Service, we are here to help. Sincerely,
Daniel J. Kill, LCSW, BCD
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