Mental Health has become a big problem in recent years. Many more mental illnesses have been spoken about and more people have been made aware of them. Much of today’s youth struggles with mental illness, anxiety disorders being the most common in people of all ages. Followed by Major Depression and Bipolar disorder.

Anxiety disorders are again most common in today’s youth, being the number one mental illness minors struggle with. Following anxiety Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the 2nd most common mental illness minors struggle with.

There are about 200 classified forms of mental illnesses and disorders. Due to the vast majority of mental illnesses, they have been placed into four separate categories. Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders. Depression and bipolar disorder would be just a couple that fall under the “Mood disorder” category of mental illness. 

But, many mental issues go untreated, and many with actual disorders are overshadowed by people faking mental disorders. You may think “Why would someone do this?” Well, there are a few answers. One may be they do it for attention, another may be because they think it’s funny.

There may be a deeper reason as to why people do this. Munchausen syndrome: a mental condition in which a person repeatedly seeks medical attention for falsified, exaggerated, or self-inflicted physical symptoms.  According to Psychology Today there was a study done ”The participants in the study said they believed about one in every three people (31.2%) do fake illness to achieve a goal. Participants also reported that 22.7% had a person in their family who had faked illness to achieve a goal in the past; 24.9% knew someone among their friends who had faked illness; and 15.4% knew someone in their neighborhood who had done so.” Based on this evidence, people faking mental disorders are much more common than they appear to be.

Mental illness is a big issue, and if you are struggling with mental illness don’t feel ostracized, there are others who are exactly like you. So if you’re struggling with mental illness don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help! There are many people and places that specialize in mental illness. Be aware of your mental health and others mental health.