Did you know that 1 in 4 families are affected by mental illness?

Did you know that mental illness is a biologically based health condition?

Did you know that mental illness can affect men and women of any age, income level, races or ethnic group? 

 Mental illness is a term that refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders. Three common mental illnesses are clinical depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression) and schizophrenia.  These are brain disorders characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof).   They are real, common and treatable.  Other forms of mental illness include anxiety disorders, phobias, personality disorders,  post-traumatic stress disorder, and alcohol and drug dependencies.  All of these mental health conditions can be the result of family history, genetics, or other biological, environmental, social, or behavioral factors that occur alone or in combination.  All are associated with distress, impaired functioning, disability, pain, and premature death. 

There are several areas that must be evaluated to determine if a person is eligible to receive public mental health services through Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority. Among these are:

Residence

Does the person live in Oakland County?

Insurance

Does the person have commercial or private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or no insurance?

Diagnosis

Is their illness causing significant problems in their ability to function, including:

• Personal hygiene and self-care

• Self-direction (ability to make decisions)

• Activities of daily living

• Social transactions and interpersonal relationships

Have these problems existed for at least six months, or will they probably continue for at least six months?