What are the facts? One in five adults will experience a mental illness. Life expectancy for someone with a mental illness can be up to 25 years shorter than for someone without – often due to untreated medical conditions. Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Half of all cases of mental illness begin between the ages of 15-25. More than 50% of all adults living in the United States will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. For more information, visit Mental Health America at www.mentalhealthamerica.org If you need help now, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.