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What is Mental Illness?
Mental illnesses are biochemical brain disorders that affect a person’s thinking and emotions, and may impact their ability to manage life on a day-to-day basis. Mental health diagnoses include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. People of any age, race, or gender can be affected by mental illness. For more information on mental illness, please visit the links listed under Quicklinks to the right.
Can Mental Illness Be Treated?
Yes, mental illness can be treated through a variety of methods. Many people need a combination of psychiatry services (medication management), therapy and rehabilitative / supportive services to successfully manage their illness.
Co-Occurring Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
It is estimated that 60% of people who experience a mental illness also experience an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
If you or a family member needs help...
If you or a family member needs help with a mental health issue, first call your doctor or health plan provider. You can also call the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit, which provides 24-hour telephone or on-site response, as well as referrals, to residents in a mental health crisis.
Crisis Response Unit: 952-891-7171
If someone is an immediate danger to self or others, call 911.
This page was last updated on: 07/27/2009
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