What is mental illness?

There are different types of mental illness. Symptoms can overlap, and many aspects of a mental illness are out of a person’s control.

The medical profession is continuing to discover a great deal about mental illness.

What is mental illness?
What is mental illness?
Mental illness is a term used to describe a range of disorders that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Mental illness can consist of a single episode, be episodic, or be a chronic illness. It is not a character flaw.
How common is it?
How common is it?
Mental illness is common in Australia. 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness in any one year. Of the people who report having mental health and behavioural problems, half of these have problems affecting their moods, and many also have anxiety-related problems.
What causes it?
What causes it?
• Biological factors – e.g. hormonal / chemical imbalances in the body
• Psychological factors – e.g. negative or conflicting thought patterns
• Psychological trauma – e.g. sexual, physical or emotional abuse
• Social factors – e.g. difficult or stressful life circumstances.