".For too long the fear of mental illness has been profoundly destructive to people's lives. In fact mental illnesses are just as real as other illnesses, and they are like other illnesses in most ways. Yet fear and stigma persist, resulting in lost opportunities for individuals to seek treatment and improve or recover. This seminal report provides us with an opportunity to dispel the myths and stigmas surrounding mental illness." - Message from Donna E. Shalala, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services UNDERSTANDING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES recognizes the inextricably intertwined relationship between mental health and physical health and well-being, and emphasizes that mental health and mental illnesses are important concerns at all ages. This report lays out a challenge to the Nation - to our communities, our health and social services agencies, our policymakers, employers, and citizens - to take action to continue to attend to needs that occur across a lifespan, from the youngest child to the oldest among us. Includes a special section on Mental Health & Aging. Plus, links to helpful and informative web sites related to mental health programs, research and media articles, clinical centers and key national mental health organizations. This Report of the Surgeon General on Mental Health is the product of an invigorating collaboration between two Federal agencies. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which provide national leadership and funding to the states and many professional and citizen organizations that are striving to improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of mental health services.