Provided by Virginia Women’s Center
A mental illness is a medical condition that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel and relate to others. In addition, it can create problems with daily functioning. Although we all may experience a wide range of emotions with occasional ups and downs in our daily functioning, there must be the presence of serious symptoms to meet the criteria for a mental illness.
Mental illness can be treated and 70 to 90 percent of individuals experience a significant reduction of symptoms and an improved quality of life when they are treated with a combination of psychotherapy, medication and support.
