What People Get Wrong About Mental Health
As members of our community, Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to address the myths, which become stigmas, that can make it difficult for people to speak openly about their mental health or seek support. By encouraging open conversations and sharing accurate information, we can replace myths with understanding and help create a more supportive and informed community.
To help highlight what is true and what is often misunderstood about mental health, we encourage you to explore Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s Myth vs. Fact series:
- Myth: Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can “snap out of it” if they try hard enough.
- Fact: Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak, and many people need help to get better. A range of factors can play a role in mental health conditions.
- Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
- Fact: Treatment for mental health conditions varies from person to person and may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. People find that having a strong support system can make a meaningful difference throughout the healing and recovery process.
- Myth: It is impossible to prevent a mental health condition.
- Fact: The prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders centers on addressing known risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, to reduce the likelihood that children, youth, and young adults may develop mental health conditions.
- Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental health conditions, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
- Fact: Those who have mental health conditions can be just as productive as other employees, especially when they can manage their mental health condition well. Employers may not always be aware that an employee is living with a mental health condition, but when they are, they often demonstrate strong attendance, reliability, motivation, and job performance that matches or exceeds that of other employees.
- Myth: Children don’t experience mental health issues.
- Fact: Mental health concerns can appear even in very young children, sometimes showing up as early warning signs. These conditions are often diagnosable and are influenced by a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors.
The more we learn and share, the more we can support one another with care and understanding. If you or someone you care about needs support, you can dial 2-1-1 to connect with mental health resources in your community.
