Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. will experience a diagnosable mental health illness during their lifetime. These illnesses are widely misunderstood, which can prevent people from getting the help they need.
Here's a look at six mental health myths that need debunking:
Myth: mental health problems are a sign of weakness
Reality: They're never the fault of someone who has one. Mental health problems are a treatable medical disorder, not a character flaw. Many factors play a role in how and why someone develops mental illness, including brain chemistry, genes that may run in families, and stressful or traumatic events.
Myth: children never experience a mental health problem
Reality: In half of people with a mental health illness, the first warning signs appear before age 14. And even very young children can show signs of mental distress.
Myth: therapy is a waste of time
Reality: Research shows that therapy, which is typically short-term, is very effective at helping people recover from mental illness. But it works best when combined with medicine. When both are part of a treatment plan, up to 90% of all people see an improvement in their symptoms.
Myth: people who are mentally ill are violent
Reality: The vast majority of people with a mental health problem are not violent. In fact, only between 3% and 5% of violent acts are attributable to people with a severe mental illness. Chances are you know someone with a mental illness but don't realize it. That's because mental illness is often a hidden disease—most people who struggle with it remain highly productive members of society.
Myth: there's not much you can do for people with mental health problems
Reality: You can make a big difference is someone's life. Only 44% of adults and less than 20% of children with mental health problems get necessary treatment. If someone you know is struggling mentally, reach out. Let them know you're available to listen and support them and to help them find the mental health services they need.
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References: American Academy of Family Physicians; MentalHealth.gov; National Alliance on Mental Illness
This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience, but Select Health does not endorse the third-party sites, information, or services.
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