We don't talk about it, but it's there, just as real as the coffee table and TV.

Mental illness.

It affects one in five Americans every year -- that makes it more common than any other health problem.

And like any other health problem, mental health issues are real and treatable.

"A lot of mental health issues are biology based -- it has to do with brain chemistry," said Patrick Schmitz, the executive director of Plains Area Mental Health Center (PAMHC).

"They are not a character flaw," he added. "They are as common and normal as diabetes, a cold, or any other medical issue."

Mental health concerns include everything from depression and anxiety, the top two diagnoses the PAMHC gives, to eating disorders and severe and persistent mental illness. Three-year-olds, working adults, the elderly -- all are affected.

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This spring, PAMHC started a free, confidential screening for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, alcohol-related disorders, bi-polar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder online through Plains Area Mental Health Center. To use the screening, log into www.plainsareamentalhealth.org and use the link for On-Line Assessments.

"We've now had over 300 people take this assessment, and it's all confidential," Schmitz said.

While many people are affected by mental health issues, Schmitz said, the stigma associated can keep people from seeking help they need.

"People often let shame or a belief that they can 'handle it on their own' keep them from getting care," a PAMHC fact sheet stated.

That is one of the myths Schmitz would like to see debunked.

"It is not weak to ask for help," Schmitz said. "Seeking treatment is actually a sign of strength."

Mental illnesses, he said, are highly treatable.

"In fact they are a lot more treatable than many physical health issues like high blood pressure, and with a higher success rate," he said.

The treatment success rate for depression is 80 percent, 30 percent more than for heart disease. Unfortunatly, less than half the people dealing with depression receive treatment.

And when people let mental illnesses go untreated, they are often negatively affected in the physical realm as well. In fact, a 2004 study showed that people who let mental health issues go untreated use more general health services than those who seek help.

PAMHC works with people who either refer themselves, or who are referred to them by the family doctor. When clients come to the PAMHC, they first set up a meeting with a therapist, then together they work out a plan.

"That way we both know what we're working for," Schmitz said. "A lot of mental health issues can be taken care of through talk therapy."

There are also cases in which medication is part of the equation, he said, and they work with the client and their doctor to find the right balance for them. For some, according to the National Institue for Mental Health, medication is only needed for a period of time -- people dealing with depression, for example. Others, like those dealing with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, may have a lifelong medication plan.

At PAMHC, the cost for services vary from situation to situation, but PAMHC is an approved provider by Blue Cross, Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care and other insurance, and applications for reduced fees or special payment plans are also available.

Appointments with PAMHC can be made by contacting their area offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Le Mars office can be reached at 712-546-4624 or toll-free at 1-800-325-1192.

For more information, visit PAMHC's website at www.plainsareamentalhealth.org or the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov.