What is mental illness?

Mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia affect the mind. The symptoms of many of these disorders are thought to reflect subtle changes in brain function. Life circumstances, early experiences and factors such as social and emotional isolation also contribute to mental illness. Mental health problems affect one in four people each year. Many people make a good recovery and are able to resume their lives with help from professionals and the support of friends and family as well as their own resources. Drugs, talking therapies, support and rehabilitation may all play a role.