Provided by Prince William County
Oct. 10, 2020, marks the 28th celebration of World Mental Health Day. This day was organized by the World Federation for Mental Health to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and as an essential component of overall wellness. Approximately 450 million people live with a mental disorder. One in four people will experience a mental disorder at some stage in their life, according to the World Health Organization.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that when a mental disorder or illness results in functional impairments, which substantially interfere with or limit one or more major life activity, it is considered a serious mental illness. Serious mental illness affects approximately five percent of adults over 18.
According to Lancet Psychiatry, people with severe mental illness experience disproportionate mortality associated with medical conditions. Treatment works as most mental disorders can be successfully treated. However, disparities remain in access to quality mental health services. This year’s World Mental Health Day aims to bring awareness around the world to make mental health treatment available and accessible for all.
Community Services (CS) is the public mental health/behavioral health system with the mission of providing quality services, support and treatment to individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities. CS serves individuals who may not have insurance. They provide community and office-based services to better assist and engage individuals in their treatment.
