About Mental Illness

A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.

Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.

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 diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.

Learn more about treatment and services that assist individuals in recovery.

Resource Guides:

NAMI National Helpline Resource Directory

  • NAMI HelpLine volunteers and staff have compiled this directory of outstanding resources to help you identify possible options to meet your needs. The resources included in the NAMI National Resource Directory are not endorsed by NAMI, and NAMI is not responsible for the content of or service provided by any of these resources. Throughout this directory you will find NAMI Knowledge Articles that provide detailed resources, support options, and information. They may also be accessed at helplinefaqs.nami.org for your convenience.

Novant Health Comprehensive Resource and Support Guide

  • This curated database of resources is provided by Novant Health MyCommunity. Search and connect to over 2,000 organizations specializing in mental health, financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help in the Wilmington area.

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Find Out More About Conditions Sometimes Related To Mental Illness:

Treatment & Services

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