Nearly 1 in 5 American adults live with a form of mental illness; 1 in 20 live with a serious one. These disorders, which can cause changes in emotion, thinking and/or behavior, stem from various factors, ranging from genetics to neurochemical imbalances to emotional or physical trauma. Despite enormous steps forward in treatment methods, advocacy and education, mental illness is still misconceived as the sufferer's fault, one that can be solved with personal willpower alone.

Mental illnesses require as much care as physical ailments, and can be similarly chronic or temporary. As with any other condition, early detection and, to some extent, preventive measures could improve your prognosis. A qualified support system with loved ones and professionals is equally important to your quality of life.

In the next 10 weeks, we'll give you the information you need to find and maintain quality care, from how to manage your personal relationships to warning signs and treatment options for different illnesses like PTSD, OCD and more. Your mental health is a mosaic of many disparate pieces; learn how to put them together here.