Mental Health Myths: Part 1

There are many myths when it comes to mental health. Here, we take a look at a few of these myths, and the facts related to them.

MYTH: Mental health conditions are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can “snap” out of it if they try hard enough.
FACT: This assumption shows how differently people view mental health compared to physical health. For example, if you broke a bone or had cancer, you would seek help. No one would consider you weak. Mental health should be treated no differently. It is not weak to feel anxious or depressed, or struggle with symptoms. It takes strength to recognize you need help.
Advanced Psychiatry Associates (APA)

MYTH: Mental health issues mean you are “crazy.”
FACT: Having a mental illness does not mean you are crazy.  It means you have an illness with challenging symptoms.
National Alliance on Mental Illness

MYTH: Mental health conditions are rare.
FACT: Mental health disorders affect millions of people.
17 million people in the US have major depressive disorder.
40 million people in the US struggle with depression.
2 million adults struggle with OCD.
15 million adults have PTSD.
APA

Watch the video below to learn more.

Want to learn more about the Embrace Mental Wellness initiative? View the archives.