Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from a disease. They are also challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from the stigma about mental illness.

As we close Mental Health Awareness Month, it brings up an important question: Do you understand the depths of a mental illness? How about the stigma?

Take a look at the person next to you; 1 in 4 adults in the United States will experience a mental illness in any given year, according to the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness. Now, I'm not saying the people beside you have a mental illness, but think about that statistic for a moment: 1 in 4 — that's a lot.

Recently, there has been an abrupt showcase of mental illness on television networks, with shows like ABC's "Black Box" and AMC's "Mad Men" bringing the issue into spotlight. "Black Box" features the main character, Dr. Catherine Black, as a successful neurologist who lives with bipolar disorder.

"Black Box" began April 24 and has already created quite a stir. Some think it's good that these types of issues are being brought into the spotlight, while others think the portrayal of the mental disorder is inaccurate and increases the stigma. For example, critics feel that the show is glamorizing bipolar disorder — when Dr. Black states that she can do incredible things "when I don't take my medication" — instead of educating the public on it.

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said that it is important for people to realize the issues surrounding serious mental illness.

"Most Americans understand that mental illnesses are treatable illnesses. I think people basically understand depression," Fitzpatrick told HealthDay News. "Depression is talked about in the media and is considered a treatable disease. But when you reach psychosis and schizophrenia, there's still a lot of misunderstanding and fear."

Unfortunately, the stigma may always be there, but there's still the fact that the proper care and supportive services are not available to these individuals with SMI. For example, the number of U.S. psychiatrists is steadily decreasing; the overall downward trend has occurred for the past six years, according to a National Resident Matching Program report.

If we had more highly-trained mental health professionals — including social workers, nurses, psychologists, support groups, etc. — it would motivate our society to help control mental health issues and continue in the discovery of treatment.

With that said, it's not the only way to help the system. These individuals need services that are affordable to them, including healthcare. Currently, about 40 percent of mental health services are paid for out-of-pocket, according to a report by the Health Care Cost Institute.

For decades, mental healthcare has been relegated to the sidelines — viewed as a separate issue, offered in separate facilities, often not covered by health insurance. But recent legislation is moving in the right direction.

The 2010 Affordable Care Act calls for better integration of mental and physical health services, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 expanded the rules established by the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The 1996 act required that lifetime annual dollar limits for mental health coverage be on par with those for medical coverage. But the original law did not address out-of-pocket costs (like co-pays) and left out coverage of substance abuse treatment. The new legislation in 2008 requires group health plans offering mental health coverage to ensure that financial burdens and limitations for mental health and substance abuse are no more restrictive than those for medical and surgical benefits.

The 2008 law expands not just mental health coverage but also the number of people who seek mental health services. With the current parity measures, it's hopeful that it will be mandatory for insurance companies to cover the cost of mental health treatment and really help those in need.

The stigma, services and support needed will continue to be an ongoing issue unless addressed. In order to do so, though, it's time that we as Americans step away from the "fear" of mental illnesses and truly understand what an individual with SMI is going through. It's a disease that these individuals cannot control. Think about it, can an individual control cancer?

So as we close the month of May, take a second to think about how you can make a difference in an ongoing battle.