1 Overview

A mental disorder, also known as a mental illness, psychiatric disorder, or psychological disability, is a “behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning.” ^[1] Many people live with mental disorders, as demonstrated by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year

1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year

1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year

50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2019

Additional statistics and infographics are available on the NAMI’s website.

While not every mental disorder is necessarily disabling, some symptoms may be severe enough to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act’s definition of a disability: “A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,”^[2] making them eligible for appropriate accommodations. Given the prevalence of mental health disorders in the world, their great impact on the workforce, and our desire to help our colleagues, the ITLC Diversity & Inclusion action team has assembled this resource.

The following pages include links to resources for staff at IU. If you have any questions regarding availability or eligibility please contact your human resources department or the department(s) referenced in the resource of interest.