OxfordPress.com

Millions of Americans flock to doctors' offices each year for cold and flu symptoms.

They want medication to treat the sniffles, coughs, fevers and aches associated with these common illnesses.

While one in four adults experience symptoms of mental health disorders, including severe depression and anxiety each year, fewer than one-third of adults and half of children receive mental health services, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The reasons are often a lack of understanding or the fear of the stigma attached to mental health issues, said Sally Fiehrer, director of NAMI Butler County.

"These are no shame, no blame illnesses that should be looked upon like any other illnesses," she said. "We need to start looking at these illnesses just under the overall umbrella as things that affect people's lives. They're serious illnesses, and I think they have not gotten the same respect and same access to treatment and the same compassion that other illnesses have received. I think severe depression is the common cold of all mental illnesses. It's highly treatable."

The term "mental illness," carries a negative connotation, so Fiehrer said she prefers the term brain disorder, because it puts an emphasis on the brain, instead of implying the illness is in someone's mind.

According to NAMI, brain disorders are biologically based. They cannot be overcome through willpower and are not related to one's character or intelligence. All ages are susceptible, but young and older adults are most vulnerable.

The most common mental health disorders are anxiety disorders, mood disorders that include depression and bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, dementia and eating disorders.

"There's a whole range of illnesses — some mild, all the way up for very severe mental illness," said Janice Bogner, senior program officer for the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. "I think the most common illness is depression, and I think everyone can identify how that feels at some point in their life. I think the thing we don't understand is mental illnesses are just like any other illnesses. A lot of people don't understand it's an illness like any other illness and don't seek help."

With treatment, she said people live successful lives, but the stigma attached to mental illnesses cause some to try to cope alone.

"I think society has a much greater awareness of mental illness, but there is still a long way to go," she said.

"I think they have images of what you see in movies or people who are violent or something, and that's a very extreme characterization."

A lot of milder illnesses are often treated by a family doctor.

"A lot of practices, a big portion of their clients have depression," she said. "I think it's really good to make sure your doctor knows about medication and dosing and other options. Therapy can be as successful as pills.

"You want to make sure (doctors) are up to date on what they are using, so that you're getting the best care."