October 13, 2017

Resources for those affected by mental illness

Compiled by Natalie Hoefer

“Mental illness” is a broad term that encompasses numerous categories and diagnoses.

The American Psychiatric Association defines mental illness as “health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior [or a combination of these]. Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities” (www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-mental-illness).

Mental illness is fairly common. The same site listed above states that, in a given year, nearly one in five (19 percent) of U.S. adults experiences some form of mental illness. Nevertheless, it notes, the vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives.

According to WebMD.com, the most common types of mental illness fall under the categories of:

  • anxiety disorders;
  • mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder;
  • psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia;
  • impulse control and addiction disorders, such as gambling, alcohol, drugs, food and pornography;
  • personality disorders, such as anti‑social personality disorder;
  • obsessive compulsive disorder; and
  • post-traumatic stress disorder.

Below are some resources for those affected in some way by mental illness:

  • National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD): goo.gl/Zxtpny;
  • Crisis Text Line 741741, which serves anyone in any type of emotional crisis (not just suicide), providing 24/7 support and information access for free;
  • National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) of Greater Indianapolis: www.namiindy.org;
  • several resources are listed at www.archindy.org/marriageandfamily;
  • free 24/7 hotline for crisis and suicide intervention through Families First: 317-251-7575, or text CSIS to 839863;
  • Interfaith Mental Health Coalition: goo.gl/5n39Q2;
  • Catholic Help Network, available at chn.archindy.org or by calling 211 (Connect2Help).

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