Mental Illness and Suicide 

Mental disorders exist frequently throughout the United States. About one in five adults suffer from a diagnosable mental illness (disorder) in a given year. Learn more about some of the most common mental illnesses and how they may increase risk of suicide.

Depression

Research consistently shows a strong link between suicide and depression. A diagnosis of depression elevates a person’s risk for suicide. Learn more about symptoms, treatment, why depression occurs and more.

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder happens when an individual experiences a horrifying ordeal that involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm.

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Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that is chronic and severe that has affected people throughout history. Schizophrenia distorts the way a person thinks, acts, perceives reality, expresses emotions and relates to others.

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Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness marked by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships. In 1980, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Third Edition(DSM-III) listed BPD as a diagnosable illness for the first time.

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Mental Illness and Substance Abuse

Dual disorder refers to a situation where an individual suffers from a mental disorder and has an alcohol or drug addiction. Sometimes the mental problem occurs first. This can lead people to use alcohol or drugs that make them feel better temporarily. Sometimes the substance abuse occurs first. Over time, that can lead to emotional and mental problems.

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Mental Illness and the LGBTQ Community

Depression, anxiety, and mood disorders are common in the LGBTQ community. One reason for this is the stress LGBTQ people face because of prejudice and discrimination. These experiences cause low self-esteem, isolation, and negative sexual and gender identity. If those feelings last for a long time, they can grow into anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

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