(NC)-Mental illness is something that many people still talk about in hushed voices. Those afflicted are frequently embarrassed about their condition, worrying that they will be seen as 'weak' or that others will somehow think less of them. Unfortunately this stigma often stands in the way of open dialogue and understanding. As a result, many sufferers go untreated and/or are subjected to ridicule and discrimination.

Given that so many suffer from mental illness, it's ironic that so few are willing to openly discuss it, and that many still considered the affliction to be 'abnormal'. Here are some more mental health eye-openers:

• Major depression is now the world's leading cause of disability

• The treatment success rate for schizophrenia is 60 percent, 65 percent for major depression, and 80 percent for bipolar disorder. This compares favorably to rates for heart disease of only 40 - 50 per cent

• Stigma and fear still prevent many from seeking out appropriate care.

• The media and popular culture continues to discriminate against people with mental illness by painting them as crazed and dangerous, or focusing on isolated violent incidents. The facts, however, prove otherwise. For example, those who suffer from schizophrenia are no more prone to violent behavior than any other member of the general population.

• Early intervention and identification of mental illness can help prevent decades of suffering for both patients and families.

For more facts about mental illness and how a book called "Catch a Falling Star: A Tale from the Iris the Dragon Series" is helping parents identify and understand early onset mental illness visit www.iristhedragon.com.