Myths
Mental Health Information
Causes of mental illnesses
Depression
Anxiety
100

Is Mental illnesses contagious?

What is No

Most people with a mental illness do not have relatives with the same illness. But research does suggest that mental illness can run in families.

100

Is having a positive support system is important regarding mental health?

What is true.

Social support and social interaction have a positive influence on your physical and mental health. Research has shown that having a strong support system has many positive benefits, such as higher levels of well-being, better coping skills, and a longer and healthier life.

100

Can stress cause mental illness?

What is yes.

When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks for mental health problems and medical problems increase. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.

100

What is depression?

What is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.

100

What is anxiety?

What is your body's natural response to stress.

It's a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous.

200

Only adults can develop mental illnesses?

What is False

Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has health.

200

What does it mean to have a sense of self?

What is the way we think/feel about ourselves.

Your sense of self refers to your perception of the collection of characteristics that define you. Personality traits, abilities, likes and dislikes, your belief system or moral code, and the things that motivate you — these all contribute to self-image or your unique identity as a person.

200

Can being homeless cause mental illness?

What is yes.

Housing and mental health are often linked. Poor mental health can make it harder to cope with housing problems, while being homeless or having problems in your home can make your mental health worse.

200

Is depression treatable?

What is yes.

Fortunately, it is also treatable along with all other mental health disorders.

200

What is anxiety disorder?

 What is a disorder

The term "anxiety disorder" refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry.

300

Mental health issues are not common in teens?

What is False

One in seven young people aged 4 to 17 years experience a mental health condition in any given year. 13.9% of children and young people (aged 4 to 17 years) met the criteria for a diagnosis of a mental disorder in the last 12 months.

300

In Canada, only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receive it?

What is true.

What barriers do you think there is for children receiving mental health?

300

Can having a social disadvantage, poverty or debt cause mental illnesses?

What is yes.

Evidence indicates that poverty causes one's quality of life , which has an impact on mental health.

300

What are some symptoms of depression?

What is 

lack of motivation

difficulty making decisions 

Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness.

Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters.

Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities, hobbies or sports.

Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much.

300

How many types of anxiety disorders are there?

What is 6 major types of anxiety disorders.

Phobias. Phobias are intense fears of specific animals, objects or situations, Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Separation Anxiety Disorder.

400

Can a individual have multiple mental health diagnosis?

What is true

Many people have more than one official diagnosis in mental health, such as depression and anxiety or anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, for example. Substance use disorders often co-exist with bipolar disorder.

400

Who is allowed to seek help for mental health?

What is everyone.


400

Can childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect and domestic violence, bullying or other abuse as an adult cause mental illnesses? 

 

What is yes.

Childhood trauma can change the wiring in the brain.

400

List the different types of depression?

What is


  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) 
  • Bipolar Disorder. 
  • Postpartum Depression (PPD) 
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 
  • Atypical Depression.




400

What can cause anxiety disorders?

What is 

A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are. Other mental health disorders.

500

Can individuals with mental illnesses just "snap out of it?"

What is false.

A common misconception held by people is that those suffering with a mental health disorder can simply 'snap out of it'. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Telling someone to 'get a grip' when they are experiencing a mental illness is the equivalent of telling someone to write when they have broken fingers.

500

Who is most likely to develop mental illnesses?

What is anyone.

Who is affected? Mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague. In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.

500

What percentage of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime? 




What is 20%.

500

Who is most likely to suffer with depression?

What is  young females.

Depression is more than twice as prevalent in young women than men (ages 14–25 yr), but this ratio decreases with age. Indeed, starting at puberty, young women are at the greatest risk for major depression and mental disorders globally.

500

How long can an anxiety attack last?

What is it can last anywhere from minutes to hours, even days and weeks. An anxiety attack can include one or more of the following symptoms: Restlessness, feeling wound-up or on edge. Being easily fatigued. 

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