Facts vs Myth
Mental illness can occur only after a person has reached adulthood.
Myth/False
People should work out their own mental health problems.
False
Having a body and mind that feels good works well and is not sick
Healthy
McKinley School Counselor
Ms. Marianne Brown
Make sure you are not using language or comments that stigmatize people with mental health challenges.
W/atch your language
People with a mental illness will always be ill.
Myth/False
Once you have a mental illness, you have it for life.
True
Affects the way that a person behaves, thinks, and feels
Mental health challenge or mental illness
This type of crisis phone line is not hot or cold but somewhere in the middle. Available from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm for text messages.
Warm line
A lot can be learned by asking questions of a mental health professional like a counselor or doctor, or a person who has lived experience with a mental health challenge.
A/sk questions
Having a mental illness means you’re a wimp who can’t handle life.
Myth/False
Females are more likely to have a mental illness than are males.
False
Another way to talk about mental illness is to say
Mental health challenge
This type of crisis phone line is available 24/7/365. Definitely not cold.
Hotline
Great resources are available online to help educate you on different mental illnesses. Increased education means fewer misunderstandings and less stigma.
L/earn more
People with mental health challenges do not have to take special tests to get into college, get a house, or get a job. They can work, learn, and do all the things that people without mental health challenges can do.
Fact/True
Medication is the best treatment for mental illness.
False
Labeling someone in a negative way because they may be different than you
Stigma
3 digit phone number to the Crisis Lifeline
988
Once you have learned a bit about mental illness, consider asking someone you know about their experiences. If you have lived experience, consider sharing your story with others.
L/isten to experiences
It is common for all people to sometimes have trouble at school, at home, at jobs and feel sometimes like they don’t know what to do. No matter what, it’s good to talk to others and learn what works best for you.
Fact/True
Most people will never be affected by mental illness.
False
To meet with a mental health professional he or she gives what you are experiencing a name
Diagnosis
An adult who you can trust to take action
A trusted adult
Help reduce stigma by speaking out when others stigmatize people with mental health challenges or spread misconceptions.
S/peak out