What is Stigma? The negative reaction of people to an individual or group because of some assumed inferiority or source of difference that is degraded People with mental illness often feel diminished, devalued, and fearful because of the negative attitude society holds toward them This causes people suffering from mental health problems to not seek the help they need to recover “This disease comes with a package: shame. When any other part of your body gets sick, you get sympathy.” ~ Ruby Wax

Mental Health Problems Cannot Affect Me Mental health problems are actually very common 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health issue 1 in 10 young people experience a period of major depression 1 in 20 Americans live with a serious mental illness You probably know someone with a mental health problem. You may not even realize it. MYTH:

Mental Health Problems Cannot Affect Children Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old Less than 20% of children/adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need More than 6 million young people in America suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community MYTH:

People with Mental Health Problems are Violent Most people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else Only 3% - 5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness People with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population Most people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of the community In cases when violence does occur, the incident typically results from the same reasons as with the general public, such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs Those suffering from a psychosis are more often frightened, confused and despairing than violent MYTH:

Mental Health Problems Only Affect the Weak, and People with Privilege Cannot Experience Mental Health Problems MYTH: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy, weak, privileged or poor Mental health problems have a variety of causes, such as biological and environmental factors, and can affect anyone People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely Great strength, determination, and proper help are required in order to recover from mental illnesses

People with Mental Health Problems Cannot Lead Normal Lives and Should be Institutionalized MYTH: Most people with mental health problems can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of therapies, support programs, and/or medications People with mental illnesses can, and do, recover to resume normal activities People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees Often employers report good attendance, punctuality, motivation, work ethic, and job tenure People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation

There is No Hope for People with Mental Health Problems MYTH: People with mental health problems get better and many recover completely Recovery: the process in which people are able to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they are effective

I Cannot Help a Person with a Mental Health Problems MYTH: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference Only 38% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by: Reaching out and letting them know you are there for them Help them access mental health services Learning and sharing the facts about mental health Treating them with respect Refuse to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as ‘crazy’

Addiction is a Lifestyle Choice and show a lack of Willpower and Strength MYTH: Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry It has nothing to do with being a "bad" person

Being Suicidal is Crazy MYTH: Suicidal feelings are most often symptoms of depression or a related mood disorder Feeling suicidal does not make you any more or less crazy than anybody else Suicidal feelings go away once you begin to receive adequate care for your depression or other mood disorder