Individuals

A co-existing problem occurs when we have a mental health problem and, at the same time, use substances in ways that could result in significant harm. It is not known how many people experience this dual problem (sometimes called a 'concurrent disorder'). But a national study in the United States, looking at mental illness alongside substance use in a lifetime, suggests about half of the people experiencing a mental illness also struggle with a substance use problem, and vice versa.

Using a medication to treat pain can be helpful. But over time, we may become tolerant to the drug and need an increasing amount to feel the positive effects. Some medications, such as tranquilizers, may help to relieve stress, but relying on a substance as a tool to ease tension can affect our health and relationships. And while using a medication as instructed or prescribed can help us manage our health, taking more than the recommended dosage can harm our health.

The Managing a Mental Illness series of info sheets will help you cope with a diagnosis of a mental illness, help you be an active partner in your health care and build good working relationships with health care providers, and help prevent relapse of a mental illness.

The Managing Depression series of info sheets will help you cope with a diagnosis of depression, help you be an active partner in your health care and build good working relationships with health care providers, and help prevent relapse of depression.

Many people fear violence, particularly violence that seems random or unpredictable. We often deal with this fear by avoiding people or situations that we believe might lead to violence. We see mental illness, substance use and violence connected often—in the news, on TV shows, and in movies.

Our experiences in childhood play a big part in shaping our health and well-being throughout our lives. Sexual abuse in childhood can leave scars that can last for a long time. But many cases are never reported.