Mental Health falsehoods and facts

ROCKVILLE, MD – For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. The purpose of MHAM is also to provide resources and information to support individuals, families and communities who may need mental health care.

Unfortunately, there are many common misunderstandings and falsehoods about mental health which can become a barrier to those who need and deserve proper treatment. Here are a few:

FALSE: Mental health issues can’t affect me.

TRUE FACT: Mental health issues can affect anyone of any age, racial or cultural heritage, gender, or socioeconomic situation. In 2020, about:

– One in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year;

– One in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode;

– One in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression;

– Additionally, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.

FALSE: Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can “snap out of it” if they try hard enough.

TRUE FACT: Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need professional, culturally appropriate help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

– Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry;

– Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse;

– Family history of mental health conditions.

FALSE: Children don’t experience mental health issues.

TRUE FACT: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health conditions are often clinically diagnosable and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14-years-old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Unfortunately, only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health conditions receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs. For more resources to start the conversation early, see https://tinyurl.com/4n- 97wsda

FALSE: People with mental health conditions are violent.

TRUE FACT: Most people with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health condition and don’t even realize it, because many people with mental health conditions are highly active and productive members of our communities.

FALSE: There is no hope for people with mental health issues. Once a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, they will never recover.

TRUE FACT: Studies show that people with mental health conditions get better and many are on a path to recovery. Recovery refers to the process in which people can live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

FALSE: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

TRUE FACT: Treatment for mental health conditions varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals do best when they work with a peer self-help support system during the healing and recovery process.

FALSE: I can’t do anything for a person with a mental health issue.

TRUE FACT: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. They can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

– Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help;

– Helping them access mental health services;

– Help them learn self-care and coping techniques;

– Learning and sharing facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn’t true;

– Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else;

– Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as “crazy,” instead use person-first language

FALSE: It is impossible to prevent a mental health condition.

TRUE FACT: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health conditions. Promoting a person’s social-emotional well-being leads to:

– Higher overall productivity,

– Better educational outcomes,

– Lower crime rates,

– Stronger economies,

– Improved quality of life,

– Increased lifespan,

– Improved family life.

FALSE: Physical and mental health are totally separate.

TRUE FACT: Physical and mental health are deeply connected. For people living with chronic pain or illness, mental health can be affected. Also, mental health issues can affect physical well-being. People facing both mental health and substance use disorders often experience additional challenges. Treating these co-occurring disorders in isolation can lead to missed opportunities for diagnosis, recovery, and long-term stability.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, one focus area is providing resources that promote integrated, whole-person care. Mental health advocates can share information about co-occurring disorders, integrated care, and the message of hope that a better quality of life is possible. See https://tinyurl.com/ms8yztu9 for valuable information to share.

For more common falsehoods, facts and resources, see https://tinyurl.com/4n97wsda

(Contact Grace Terry at graceterrywilliams@gmail.com)

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