Myths
Help Correct These Myths
Myth: People should be able to deal with the ups and downs of life without counseling or medication.
Fact: Research has shown that counseling and/or medication can aide in the recovery process for individuals with mental health concerns. The quicker a person is able to access support services, the higher the likelihood of feeling better sooner.
Myth: People with mental health issues are often not able to function well in their daily lives.
Fact: Most people who have mental health concerns or major mental illness lead productive, meaningful lives. Provide the same respect to individuals with a mental illness as you would to someone who is managing a health condition like diabetes, chronic back pain or epilepsy.
Myth: Mental health concerns or major mental health illness are brought on by a weakness of character.
Fact: Anyone can be challenged by mental health issues or concerns. When there are major mental illnesses they are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Research has shown genetic and biological factors are associated with schizophrenia, depression, and alcoholism. Social influences, such as loss of a loved one or a job, can also contribute to the development of various disorders.
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Myth: Talk about suicide is an idle threat that need not be taken seriously.
Fact : Suicide is the third leading cause of death among high school students and the second leading cause of death in college students. Talk about suicide should always be taken seriously.
— Jed Foundation
Myth: Mental illness does not or will not affect me.
Fact: In American, one out of five people have a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. The fact is, mental illness will likely affect you or someone you know in your lifetime.