Diagnosis
A disorder characterized by low moods and aversion to activities, prolonged sadness.
What is Depression?
People with mental illnesses will not get better.
What is a myth?
With the proper support and treatment, anyone can get better and learn to manage their symptoms and illness. It is important to reach out to mental health or health care professionals before a condition becomes unmanageable.
Depression can be cured by trying harder to be happy.
Trick!
Depression requires a diagnosis, as well as a combination of medication or therapy as prescribed or discussed with your doctor or mental health professional.
Adolescents and others experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
What is true?
This line operates 24/7 and is available in virtually any language.
A chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.
What is a myth?
Medication can be a part of treatment, but it is not necessary for everyone. Treatments can also include talk therapy, psychoeducation, and support groups.
A social worker, psychiatrist, or therapist are all different professionals who can help you manage your mental health problems.
Treatment!
You can also talk to your doctor if you're unsure of where to find mental health referrals or resources.
There are no mental health professionals available to me at school or in my community.
What is false?
It can be hard to find, but there is always a mental health professional available within your community or even based in your school.
A disorder that is a combination of a manic phase (a sudden onset of hyperactivity, high energy, and loss of touch with reality), and a depressive phase (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and prolonged sadness).
What is bipolar disorder?
Main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather genetics, severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or sexual abuse), or other environmental influences, and brain chemistry.
What is a fact?
Public perception sometimes attributes mental illness to bad parents or character weakness, but in reality, it is more complex.
Drinking and consuming drugs can help alleviate mental health symptoms.
Trick!
Mental health problems can sometimes lead to alcohol or drug use, as some people with a mental health problem may misuse these substances as a form of self-medication. Certain illegal drugs actually cause you to experience symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, even psychosis.
DAILY DOUBLE!!
Individuals who identify as LGBTQ do not have specialized resources available.
What is false?
If you’re in the LGBTQ Community, the Trevor Project is a national resource who may be able to help you find local resources in your area.
It is available by phone and text 1-866-488-7386
Any condition related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions and your ability to function in important areas of life. They can involve eating too much, too little, or purging.
What are eating disorders?
DAILY DOUBLE!!
People who have a mental illness are more likely to be violent than those who do not.
What is a myth?
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. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Talking to a friend, family member, or trusted person is good when you're unsure of what to do about your mental health issues.
Treatment!
Talking to someone you trust can be helpful when sorting out your problems before speaking to a mental health professional. Not everyone will react well, but it doesn't mean you should avoid discussing the issue.
If I am a victim of sexual trauma, The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offers free 24/7 online chat and a telephone hotline.
What is true?
The Online Hotline is confidential and anonymous. RAINN does not log IP addresses or save chat transcripts.
A mental illness characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, hallucinations and delusions, and decreased participation in daily activities.
What is Schizophrenia?
If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are at a higher risk of developing one as well.
What is a fact?
Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk. Certain illnesses can be hereditary, such as schizophrenia, and sometimes family members can experience secondary trauma. So, if you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you have a problem that will require treatment.
Mind and body exercises such as yoga, aerobics, meditation, and relaxing activities can help be beneficial when treating a mental health condition and helps improve emotional well-being as well as help with physical side effects.
Treatment!
Calming, physical activities can help improve mental health. But remember it is not a substitute for medication or therapy, always talk to your medical and mental health provider.
Having none to little money means I cannot see a mental health professional.
What is false?
Lack of access to health care or money can make it hard to find help, but there are places who offer free to low-cost care and organizations such as the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics can help you find the right clinic. You can also ask your school or doctor for resources.