The nature of the secret of mental illness By David S. Proffitt edge contributor Recently, a mental health association in California made a video about mental health and stigma. They interviewed a number of people on the sidewalks of downtown Santa Barbara California and asked, "What do you think of when you hear the words mental illness?" Most reactions expressed beliefs of someone being dangerous and probably homeless, a person who should be avoided. Many expressed the notion that people with mental illness should be locked up. The reactions suggest a fear of mental illness and those who struggle with the effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, 26.2 percent of the American population older than age 18 (1 in 4 adults) will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder in a given year. One in 17 suffers from a serious mental illness, and only 40 percent of those will seek treatment. Why? From depression to anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, everyone knows or loves someone who lives with some form of mental illness. Many cases of mental illness, even mild depression, go untreated because of the shame and discrimination connected to an era when people were locked away in insane asylums. Some people were considered "defective" and "incurable" due to prejudice and a lack of effective treatments. The statistics above mean you have someone in your family, workplace, school, church or community who is experiencing mental health challenges. Even if you are in denial of the above, you're still impacted by the cost to our society in unemployment, disability, incarceration and homelessness associated with untreated mental health conditions. Stigma that surrounds mental illness can be the most devastating part of the disorder. It is the largest barrier to accessing effective care and treatment. When people disclose they live with a mental illness, or that someone in their family does, the reaction can cause a series of unanticipated consequences: avoidance, condemnation and a minimizing of the individual. Thus, the nature of keeping mental illness a secret. The stigma associated with a mental health condition can be far more damaging and destructive than the illness itself. Living with a mental illness is not easy and can often be debilitating. It affects both the individual as well as his or her family. Treatment can significantly reduce the distress of the symptoms. Unfortunately, treatment doesn't protect against stigma or shame. A person with a mental health disorder, whether lifelong or temporary, is capable of many remarkable things if given an opportunity. In fact they are as capable to achieve as others. History is full of the contributions from persons with mental health conditions. Many who suffer from mental illness are some of our greatest contributors in history: poets, writers, artists, scientists, teachers, social activists and national leaders. From Abraham Lincoln to Leonardo Di Vinci, from Robin Williams to Howard Hughes, people can and do succeed who are affected by mental illnesses. Life success is not defined by challenges but by the life roles people select and the degree to which they express them. Just as with any life-changing illness, be it cancer, heart disease, diabetes or asthma, living with a mental illness requires lifestyle changes and health status monitoring. Fear, ignorance, prejudice and societal limitations all pressure person to hide their needs, reject potential support, and suffer. With hope, support and treatment those experiencing mental health conditions have the best chance at a satisfying and rewarding life of contribution. David S. Proffitt, PhD, is president and CEO of The Acadia Hospital