Use of the term mental illness may be misleading if it is taken to imply that all mental health problems are solely caused by medical or biological factors. In fact, most mental health problems result from a complex interaction of biological, social and personal factors. For example, some people may be biologically vulnerable to experiencing depression, yet strong social support during difficult times can reduce their risk of becoming severely depressed. Similarly, in people with a higher than average genetic risk of schizophrenia, a particular psychotic experience may be triggered by stressful life events and circumstances.

On average one in four of us will experience a mental health problem in the course of a year. These problems can cause real and lasting damage, both to the individual and to the community. Fortunately the majority of people who experience mental health problems can get over them or learn to live with them especially if they get help early on.

Unfortunately many people experiencing a mental health problem don't receive the right kind of help and some don't receive any help at all. In fact many people with mental health problems are shunned or discriminated against by their families, friends and the professionals who are supposed to be caring for them.