Introduction to Mental Health
One in five Australians will experience a mental illness.
Mental illness is a term to describe a group of illnesses, similar to how heart disease describes an illness of the heart.
Some people experience a mental illness for a short period in their life, for others the mental illness can return throughout their life.
Most mental illnesses can be treated successfully.
It is still not known what sets off a mental illness, though many mental illnesses are caused by a physical break down of the brain.
Stress could set off a mental illness or even extend the illness longer. People who develop a mental illness often become stressed.
Having a mental illness can be a frightening experience and many people suffer a great deal. They need the same support and understanding as if they had a physical illness, as they are often discriminated against and rejected.
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