Understanding and Living with People Who Are Mentally Ill

Each year 16 to 20 million Americans suffer from major depression. Many more are impaired by anxiety disorders. An estimated 13 percent of the population abuse or are dependent on alcohol and other mood altering drugs. More and more suffer from Alzheimer's. Over 2 million are schizophrenic. Every family may experience mental illness with an emotional impact on all family members. Common responses are feelings of anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness, depression, shame, codepen-dence, anger