Mental Health Myths vs. Facts
Test Your Mental Health Awareness
1. TRUE/FALSE: One in every 5 Americans have a mental illness in their lifetime.
2. TRUE/FALSE: Suicidal behavior is a psychiatric emergency.
3. TRUE/FALSE: Mental Illness is basically a weakness in one’s character.
4. TRUE/ FALSE: Giving personal items away can be a warning sign an individual is contemplating suicide.
5. TRUE/FALSE: 999 is a 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
6. TRUE/ FALSE: Half of adults diagnosed with mental health disorders usually present by age 14.
7. TRUE/ FALSE: Bullying, obesity, witnessing violence, family history of depression are risk factors that can increase depression in children and adolescents.
MYTHS
“MENTAL ILLNESS IS A LACK OF WILL POWER. IT IS A WEAKNESS.”
“MENTAL ILLNESS IS NOT A REAL ILLNESS. IT IS NOT A DISEASE.”
“YOU WILL BE DRUGGED AND NEVER BE THE SAME.”
“PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS CAN NOT WORK.”
“PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS CAN NOT LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY.”
“YOU DON’T HAVE ENOUGH FAITH. YOU NEED TO PRAY MORE.”
FACTS
Mental illness is a real disease.
An individual diagnosed with mental illness has the right to agree or disagree with prescribed medication.
Not all people with mental illnesses are violent.
Because an individual receives a diagnosis of mental illness does not automatically eliminate that person from working.
Being diagnosed with a mental illness does not necessarily prohibit a person from living independently.