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/