Anxiety
There is more than one type of Anxiety disorder.
True: There are many anxiety disorders, most notably Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder.
Depression is just an extended period of feeling sad- a rough patch that everyone goes through.
False: Depression is a serious mental health condition that requires understanding and medical care.
Someone who suffers from a mental health illness is also likely to develop substance use disorders.
True: The combination of these two illnesses is so common that it has its own name: Co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis.
Most depictions of Schizophrenia in television and movies are accurate.
False: Modern media depicts an overdramatic and misleading Schizophrenia. Never make assumptions on someone's experiences or personality based on what you've seen in movies!
Only people suffering from serious mental health illnesses need to go to therapy or counseling.
False: There is no "one type" of person that seeks help, and there is no "one reason" to go to therapy. Many will go just to have a confidential source to talk to.
Anxiety doesn't affect children or teenagers, because they don't have anything serious to worry about.
False: Approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21. Anxiety isn't about having something substantial to worry about, and all people who are suffering from anxiety are valid in their experiences.
People often use depression as a way to get attention, and it has little impact on how they actually live their lives.
False: Depression can have a large impact on how a person behaves, including drastic changes in sleep pattern and appetite. You should always treat someone who says they have depression seriously.
You cannot treat someone for a mental health illness if they are still using substances.
False: The idea that “I cannot treat your depression because you are also drinking” is outdated- the most effective form of treatment for individuals with substance use problems is integrated intervention: when a person receives care for both their diagnosed mental illness and substance use disorder.
True:
A therapist or counselor can often cure mental health illnesses as soon as they are diagnosed.
False: These health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to symptom reduction but to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.
Anxiety disorders develop entirely genetically.
False: Genetics are only one possible cause of an anxiety disorder: more common are stressful environments or events like the death of a family member, abuse, or violence.
There are many different ways to treat depression, including psychotherapy, exercise, and alternative approaches like faith or acupuncture.
True: Many people believe that antidepressants are the only way to treat depression, but this is not the case. A medical professional can help someone decide what the best treatment for their problems is.
A person suffering from substance use problems cannot seek medical aid if the substances they are using are illegal.
False: Many detoxification programs will help people with substance use problems regardless of legality. Fear of disenfranchisement or imprisonment is a common problem for people suffering from substance use problems.
People suffering from Schizophrenia are more often to be victimized than be a victim themselves.
True: Due to the powerful discrimination and prejudice against people with mental illnesses, especially serious ones like Schizophrenia, people suffering from schizophrenia are often targets of violence rather than causers of it.
Someone seeking medical help from a professional should never feel ashamed or guilty.
True: Seeking medical help can be intimidating, and feelings of guilt and shame are common barriers to getting the help that they may need.