MEANTAL HEALTH

FACTS

MYTH

“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 CAN NOT LIVE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE COMMUNITY.”

FACT

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. 

 

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/

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