disorders

Myth: Teenagers don't suffer from "real" mental illnesses; they are just moody.
Fact: One in ten children and adolescents suffer from mental illness.

Myth: Talk about suicide is an idle threat that need not be taken seriously.
Fact: 90% (or more) of all suicide victims have a mental illness and/or a substance abuse problem. For people ages 15 to 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.

Myth: Childhood mental health problems are really the result of poor parenting, and lack of discipline in the home.
Fact: Mental illnesses are often inherited from one generation to another, and generally have little or nothing to do with parenting.

Mental Illness -- "Just snap out of it."

Myth: Mental illness are not real, and cannot be treated.
Fact: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, mental disorders are as easy to diagnose as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Treatments are effective 60% to 80% of the time!!

Myth: We're good people. Mental illness doesn't happen to me and my family.
Fact: One in five Americans will suffer at some point from a mental health problem. These Americans are from ALL backgrounds.

Depression -- "It's just the blues."

Myth: Depression is a normal part of life (aka the "blues") that can be overcome without seeking treatment.
Fact: Depression is a real, treatable illness that effects 19 million adult Americans every year. It is the leading cause of disability in the United States -- over back problems, heart disease and liver failure.

Myth: Depression is a normal and expected part of aging.
Fact: Five million older Americans suffer from clinical depression; whereas seniors comprise 13% of the population, they account for 20% of all suicides.

Health Insurance -- "I can't afford mental health care"

Myth: Private health insurance routinely does not cover mental health services.
Fact: Well over 90% of companies with health insurance cover some mental health care, but often in discriminatory ways.
Violence & Mental Illness

Myth: Stay away from people with mental illness because they're violent.
Fact: Virtually every study shows that persons with mental disorders are no more violent than other Americans, assuming that they don't abuse alcohol or illegal drugs, and are receiving treatment.

Homelessness

Myth: A homeless person suffering from mental illness has little chance of recovery.
Fact: Homelessness can be significantly decreased when people with untreated mental illnesses are connected to case management, supported housing, and related services.
There Is Hope

Myth: There is no hope for people with mental illness.
Fact: Mental illnesses are successfully treated at a much higher rate than other chronic health conditions.