October 10, 2025
Written by McCall’s Department of Prevention and Family Services.
Have you ever wondered what a friend, coworker, or child might be quietly going through? For millions of people, mental health challenges are a daily reality. They’re often invisible, but always life-changing. Two terms you might hear are Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) in adults and Serious Emotional Disturbances (SED) in children.
What do SMI and SED mean?
- Serious Mental Illness (SMI): Mental health conditions in adults—like major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or trauma-related disorders—that cause significant impairment in daily life, relationships, or functioning.
- Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED): Conditions in children such as severe anxiety, depression, trauma, or behavioral disorders. About 4.6 million children are affected each year.
It’s important to know that many mental health conditions exist on a spectrum of severity. For example, someone can live with anxiety or depression and remain high-functioning. In these cases, while support may still be helpful, it would not be considered an SMI. What qualifies as “serious” is the level of impact on daily life, not the diagnosis itself.
What causes mental health conditions?
There isn’t one simple answer. Mental health conditions often arise from a combination of factors, such as:
- Biological: genetics, brain chemistry, or medical conditions
- Psychological: patterns of thinking, coping, or past trauma
- Environmental: stress, abuse, poverty, or lack of support
No single factor determines whether someone will develop a mental health condition—it’s usually an interaction of these influences. Understanding this helps reduce stigma and reminds us that mental health challenges are not anyone’s “fault.”
Why does this matter?
Mental health struggles don’t always look obvious. Families may feel helpless, and stigma often keeps people from reaching out. But with compassion, early recognition, and support, recovery and resilience are possible.
Understanding Depression.
Depression is more than feeling sad. It’s a condition that affects 21 million Americans. Common signs include:
- Thoughts of self-harm
- Ongoing sadness or irritability
- Low energy and fatigue
- Difficulty focusing
- Sleep or appetite changes
The good news: treatment works. Therapy, medication, community programs, and self-care can make a real difference.
How can families support loved ones with a serious mental illness?
For adults and children alike, small steps can help:
- Stay connected with supportive people
- Keep routines when possible
- Exercise or stay physically active
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Ask for help early
For children with SED, family therapy, school-based programs, and counseling can change the course of their lives.
Where can you find help?
Awareness is powerful. It replaces fear with understanding and helps families know they are not alone. At the McCall Behavioral Health Network, we provide free Mental Health Awareness Training, including Mental Health First Aid and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training. These programs give people the skills to recognize a crisis, respond with compassion, and even save a life.
Click here to learn more about McCall’s invaluable trainings.
FAQs
Who is affected by SMI?
About 15 million adults in the U.S. each year.
What are signs of SED in children?
Extreme mood swings, withdrawal, aggression, or struggles in school and relationships.
Does treatment really work?
Yes—many people go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives with the right support. At McCall, we’re here to walk beside individuals and families facing SMI and SED. To learn more, visit mccallbhn.org or call us at 860.496.2100.
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