Mental Illness Affects 1 in 5 Americans

According to a recent government study, it has been show that Mental Illness Affects 1 in 5 Americans. The study also showed that 20% of these individuals also had substance dependence or abuse related problems during the previous year (I'm paraphrasing from the linked article).

What are the implications of this study? That access to care is limited, that comorbidity between mental health and substance abuse is very high, and the main point, that mental illness is not some minor issue: rather, it is one of the most widespread individual, family, and social challenges that Americans face.

I am concerned whether this article will increase or decrease the stigmas about mental illness that seem to perpetuate our culture and society. I'm hopeful that the response to this and other similar studies will increase awareness about mental illness and turn into expanded coverage and access for mental health and substance abuse treatment. This seems to be the trend, but under the face of high deficits and budget cutbacks it is too early to say what will happen during the next couple of years.