When everyday concerns turn into ongoing stress that affects your ability to function, it may become a mental illness. A mental illness is a common, but treatable health condition that can disrupt daily life.
Examples of signs and symptoms of mental illness include:
Mental illnesses can also have physical, emotional and psychological symptoms that can be passed down from a parent, caused by environmental factors, brain chemical imbalances, or a combination of these.
Examples of mental illnesses include:
Medical research suggests there is a connection between mental illness and the use of addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. Some people may develop a mental illness from using drugs too much. On the other hand, some people with a mental illness may take drugs to deal with or ease the symptoms.
People dealing with a mental illness and substance use have what is known as a “dual diagnosis.” People with a mental illness are especially at risk from the effects of drugs and alcohol since using them can worsen the symptoms of a mental illness and create new problems.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) promotes and offers recovery services in the areas of mental health and substance use treatment.
Prevention services are available to all Connecticut residents, particularly adults 18 years of age and older with mental or substance use disorders, or both, who cannot afford services on their own.
DMHAS provides many treatment services, including:
Their Mental Health Waiver helps people living with a serious mental illness avoid living in a nursing home. It also helps those currently living in an institutional setting return to their community.
Learn more: Visit the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services website for more information.
The Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health is an online portal where individuals, families and social service agencies can access information.
The National Alliance of Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI) has educational programs, crisis resources, a list of support groups, and more. You may also call 800-950-NAMI.
MyPlaceCT.org is a free web-based resource designed to help older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal independence, health and well-being. The virtual home of No Wrong Door, MyPlaceCT.org is sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Social Services in collaboration with partner state agencies and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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