Myth or Fact
Mental health issues are very rare.
Myth! 49.5% of adolescents had one mental disorder at some point in their lives.
Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
False! Treatment for mental health conditions vary depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both.
True or False - admitting that something is wrong is equivalent to giving up on yourself.
FALSE. Admitting that you are having problems is often very hard to do, and asking for help is a sign of strength and willingness to work through what you are experiencing.
Are you helping your friend if they come to talk to you and you don't have any advice to give them?
Yes! By letting them vent about what's going on, you are helping to get things off of their chest. You're not a professional (or maybe you are, who knows), and you're not expected to have all the answers. Sometimes, just listening is enough.
People with mental health concerns will not get better.
Myth! Like physical health, mental health can also change throughout life. Most people with mental health challenges live productive and positive lives, and many receive treatment.
People with mental health conditions tend to be more violent.
False! Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.
Name 3 places/people you can go to if you are having a hard time or think you might have a mental health problem.
Different things work for different people: family, friends, therapists, Suicide Hotline, SAMHSA’s National Helpline, etc.
Name 3 things you can do to help a friend who is going through a period of poor mental health.
Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, help them make appointments, show them that you care :)
Someone may show signs that they are going through a mental health crisis.
Fact! Although mental health emergencies look different for everyone, changes in behavior (work, school, social isolation, alcohol use, loss of interest in hobbies, etc.) are often indicators that someone’s mental health is deteriorating.
The stigma around mental health causes people to not want to speak out about the symptoms they may be experiencing
True! People are more likely to hide their symptoms.
True or false - Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
False. Medication can be helpful and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as therapy and counseling can also be beneficial.
True or false - If your friend tells you that they're going to harm themselves and make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.
False! If you're concerned for your friend, talk to someone who can help. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, don't be afraid to call 911.
Poor mental health is only a consequence of bad parenting or personal weakness.
Myth! Mental health can be affected by many different things in life, such as genetics, stress, and brain chemistry.
People who have mental health challenges are always less productive then people who don't.
False! Many people can be high functioning regardless of what mental health challenges they have.
True or false - you need to know exactly what you'll say and how you'll say it before you talk to a counselor.
False. Counselors are there to listen to whatever is troubling you, and you can open up to them at a pace that you are comfortable with.
True or False - if therapy doesn't work on the first or second visit, it doesn't work in general.
False! Therapy often can be completed in a few months, but in some cases, long-term treatment may be needed.