Mental illness

A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour.  It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning. There are many different types of mental disorders.  Mental disorders may also be referred to as mental health conditions. The latter is a broader term covering mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities and (other) mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.

• 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder
• Mental disorders involve significant disturbances in thinking, emotional regulation, or behaviour
• There are many different types of mental disorders
• Effective prevention and treatment options exist
• Most people do not have access to effective care