These disorders can profoundly disrupt a person's thinking, feelings, moods, ability to relate to others and capacity for coping with the demands of life. Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people with serious mental illness need medication to help control symptoms, but also rely on supportive counseling, self-help groups, assistance with housing, vocational rehabilitation, income assistance and other community services in order to achieve their highest level of recovery.  Resources... National Alliance of Mental Illness The American Psychiatric Foundation HealthyMinds.org The World Federation for Mental Health National Mental Health Association SAMHSA National Mental Health Information Center National Institute of Mental Health National Council of Community Behavioral Health State of CT Dept. of Mental Health & Addiction Services The Mental Health Research Association The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Advocacy Unlimited Schizophrenia Digest Magazine Anchor Magazine (focused on Depression) Bringchange2mind.org