If the national figures are to be believed, mental illness is far more prevalent than commonly thought, and perfect mental health far more elusive.

The Center for Disease Control calls mental illness a major health problem, affecting about 25 percent, or one-fourth, of all adults in the United States. It also says that half of Americans will experience at least one mental illness during their lifetime.

Mental illness can take many forms, with depression and anxiety among the most common, the CDC says.

Meanwhile, the estimate of adults in the U.S. who are in a state of optimal mental health – a state of well being in which they realize their full abilities, can cope with normal stresses, work productively and contribute to their community – is a mere 17 percent.

Experts also have established troubling links between mental illness and a wide range of physical ailments, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

V.I. First Lady Cecile deJongh is encouraging Virgin Islanders to get involved in addressing this issue head on. As part of her campaign, she’s enlisted high school students to think of ways to help people in the territory who suffer from one or another form of mental illness.

This is the second year deJongh is sponsoring an essay contest on mental health open to high school students throughout the territory.

“It is important for our high school students to think without inhibition on the topic of mental wellness because it is an issue that will affect all of their lives,” deJongh said. “By encouraging students who will soon enter adulthood to write on the subject of mental health, I believe we raise awareness and bring attention to the struggles of young people challenged by mental health disorders.”

Students are asked to write on the topic: “How can persons with mental illnesses be better supported in our community?”

Essays should be no longer than 750 words.

They will be judged by a panel of mental health and education professionals in four categories: structure and clarity; content; references; and creativity. Each category is worth 25 out of a total of 100 points.

Submissions should be typed in MLA format, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. They may be submitted by email to www.governordejongh.com/firstlady.

The deadline for submissions is Sept. 27.

First and second place awards will be made in both school districts for a total of four cash prizes. First place is $350 and second place is $175.

The winners will be announced on Oct. 10, which is World Mental Health Day. The winning essays will be posted on the Source.