To understand what mental illness is you need to know what it means. Mental health is the state of our well-being. Mental health has to do with the mind. According to thefreedictionary.com, mental health is “a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional abilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of daily life.” Mental illnesses are behavioral, psychological and emotional disorders that affect the mind. Mental illness is not something that should be avoided. There are many different types of mental illnesses. There are also mental health services that can help people with mental illnesses. Mental illness can be a combination of several factors. It is possible to get mental illness through genetics, which means it is passed down within the family. This can only happen if the mental illness is hereditary. Another factor of mental illness is psychological trauma. Psychological trauma such as abuse or loss can cause some mental illnesses. When mental illness goes untreated, it makes it difficult for the person to function in society and cope with everyday life. Different types of mental illnesses range from anxiety disorders to personality disorders. Other mental illnesses include mood disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, impulse control disorders, and addictions. An example of a psychotic disorder is schizophrenia. Examples of eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia. According to MedicineNet.com “Most mental illnesses are caused by a combination of factors and cannot be prevented.” Mental illness is something that should not be avoided. The biggest problem you see when it comes to mental illness is when someone who has a mental disorder...... middle of paper ......ducate, support, above all you need to make changes. The definition of mental illness is a list of things that can be overcome. ReferencesDickens, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.schizophrenia.com/family/60tip.html http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/15-celebrities-with-mental-health-disorders8.htm (nd ). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/mental_illness/page2.htmHorowitz, A. . Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/26/us-mental-healthcare-system_n_2353319.html http://www.medicinenet.com/mental_illness_in_children/page6.htm NIMH. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtmlSaisan, J., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/dual_diagnosis.htmUniversity of Washington. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/mhreport/facts_prevention.php