Myths
True or False
People with schizophrenia can't live normal, healthy lives.
False
How many american adults will have a psychiatric disorder during their lifetime?
a) 1/2
b) 1/3
c) 1/4
d) 1/5
c) 1/4
According to NIMH, approx. 26.2% of american adults will experience a psychiatric disorder severe enough to warrant a diagnosis.
True or false:
Depression can be genetic
True
What physical complaints are commonly associated with anxiety?
Stomach aches, nausea, diarrhea.
True or false
Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough
False
Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
What percentage of American experience mental illness so severe that it is considered "chronic and debilitating."
a) 2%
b) 6%
c) 10%
d) 12%
b) 6%
While an estimated 26.2% of adults experience a mental illness in their lifetime, roughly 1/17 (6%) experience severe and debilitating mental illness (schizophrenia, bi-polar).
Depression impedes motivation by decreasing energy (fatigue) and decreasing brain activity associated with engagement in activities.
True or false:
Anxiety is a lifetime illness
False,
Through psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, people can develop skills to reduce the effects of anxiety.
True or False:
People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable
False:
The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and 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 violent crime than the general population.
True or false:
The impact of mental illness on countries such as the U.S. is worse than the burden of cancer.
True
True or false:
Anti-depressants cure depression
False:
Most antidepressants are only effective alongside psychotherapy.
True or False:
People with anxiety should always take anti-anxiety medication.
False:
Anti-anxiety medications are often reserved for people with severe, debilitating anxiety. Benzodiazapines are very dangerous and addictive.
True or false:
There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.
False:
Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. This is often done through psychotherapy and medication.
How much economic impact do disorder such as depression and anxiety cost the world annually? (through lost productivity)
a) 100 million
b) 200 million
c) 1 billion
d) 1 trillion
d) 1 trillion
(WHO)
How does depression impact sleep?
People with depression often report poor quality sleep (difficulty falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night unable to fall back asleep)
They also often report sleeping during the day.
True or false:
There is rarely a relationship between trauma and anxiety.
False:
Anxiety can stem from traumatic experiences. Anxiety is a normal response to trauma.
True or False:
Patients with mental health disorders often receive the treatment required for recovery.
False:
Only 44% of adults with diagnosable disorders receive treatment.
What percent of adults experience a co-morbid medical and mental health disorder in a 12 month period?
a) 5%
b) 10%
c)17%
d) 25%
(SAMHSA)
The stress associated with medical condition can exacerbate and/or lead to mental health issues.
What is anhedonia?
Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Anxiety can be a good thing.
True
It may not be enjoyable, but it’s a normal emotion. And it can help you focus when you face a challenge or threat