Common myths about mental health
Misinformation creates myths — and once they become popularly known, these untruths can be challenging to correct. Discussing the facts about mental health can help break down these stigma-creating barriers.
Myth #1
Mental health problems don’t affect me.
FACT: Mental health concerns are actually very common. Every year:
1 in 5 American adults experiences a mental health concern
1 in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode
1 in 20 Americans lives with a serious mental health concern, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States - more than double the number of lives lost to homicide
Myth #2
Most people with mental health problems can’t hold down a job.
FACT: People with mental health problems who receive treatment are just as productive as other employees.
Employers often do not know if someone has a mental health condition, but if the condition is known to the employer, they often report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work and job tenure on par with, or greater than, other employees.
Myth #3
People with mental concerns are violent and unpredictable.
FACT: The vast majority of people with mental health concerns are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.
Most people with mental illness are not violent, and only 3%-5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are 11 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
You probably know someone with a mental health concern and don't even realize it because many people living with a diagnosis are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Myth #4
Once a friend or family member develops a mental illness, he or she will never recover.
FACT: Studies show that people with mental health concerns get better, and many recover completely.
Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn and participate fully in their communities. Research continues to improve both the understanding and treatment of mental health concerns.
Myth #5
Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?
FACT: Treatment for mental health varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy or both.
Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.
Quite often, a combination of medication and supportive counseling is most effective.
Myth #6
Most people with mental illness get the treatment they need.
FACT: Only 48% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition receive mental health services.
A combination of stigma and barriers to access prevent many people from receiving the treatment they need.
Myth #7
Weakness or character flaws cause mental illness. People can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
FACT: Like physical illness, mental illness is caused by a combination of factors and has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Many people need help to get better.
Factors that contribute to mental health concerns include:
Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
Family history of mental health problems
People with a mental health diagnosis can get better, and many recover completely.
Myth #8
I can't do anything for a person with a mental health concern.
FACT: This might be the greatest myth of all. You can make a big difference.
Friends, family members, classmates and co-workers can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:
Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
Helping them access mental health services
Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true
Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else
Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"
Sources: Mental Health.gov and NAMI
