Answers
1. FALSE: One in every 5 Americans have a mental illness in their life time.
2. TRUE: Suicidal behavior is a psychiatric emergency. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors should not be ignored. Professional HELP is needed.
3. FALSE: See above.
4. TRUE: Giving personal items away can be a warning sign an individual is contemplating suicide.
5. FALSE: 988 is a 24-hour Suicide & Crisis LIfeline. Call: 988 Text: 988 Website: https://988lifeline.org/
MENTAL HEALTH
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.