Some people believe that focusing on fighting stigma and mental health myths is a worthless cause. One organization, NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness), pushes hard to End this Stigma.

Why?

Because so many men, women, children, and the overall family unit living with mental illness are held responsible for their conditions. They’re expected to change their thoughts and behaviors. They’re avoided, isolated and ostracized, viewed as unpredictable, erratic and sometimes dangerous. And even considered incapable or unable to make rational decisions. That’s why the time is NOW to end this stigma!

Myth 1: People with mental health problems are unstable and violent

Fact: Most of the time, it is unnoticeable that someone has a mental illness because the majority of people with a mental illness are active and productive members of society. In fact, only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental health condition. Read more to counter this myth at mayoclinic.org

Myth 2: Panic attacks are fatal.

Fact: Many people think that because panic attacks cause racing heart, shortness of breath, and an overwhelming sense of fear, they can be fatal. However uncomfortable panic attacks may be, they cannot directly cause fatality. Because of the symptoms of panic attacks, individuals can be susceptible to accidents which is why it is crucial to find a safe space to mitigate the risk. Get this Panic Symptom Tracker to track your symptoms over time. Self-monitoring of thoughts, feelings, and symptoms is an essential skill in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This symptom tracker helps clients to monitor the presence or absence of common panic symptoms over the course of a month.

Myth 3: Children are not effected by mental health issues.

Fact: Many children do develop signs and symptoms of mental health concerns from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. About 50% of disorders are shown in children less than 14 years old while 75% show signs before age 24. Many don’t get the help they need. However, mental health support has shown to help children prior to interfering with developmental needs. Read more here on mental health issues in kids and how to overcome it through Teen Empowerment Clubs & Awareness!

Myth 4: A person with a mental illness will never recover.

Fact: Research demonstrates repeatedly that those will mental health issues often times not only get better, some recover completely. Treatment will help a person function so they will be able to partake in work, academics, and relationships more fully. Find out more on How to Recover from Mental Illness.

Myth 5: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness.

Fact: When you go to the doctor’s because of a broken arm, often we do not consider that a sign of weakness. Same goes for mental illness. People with depression for instance, cannot suddenly be cured. Just like cancer, battling a mental illness takes a great deal of strength and time to heal. Why Mental Illness is Not a Sign of Weakness.

Myth 6: Mental health issues mean a person cannot work.

Fact: Believing a person with a mental illness cannot hold down a job is completely false. Those with acute mental illness may have difficulty functioning in work along with other areas of life. However, the majority of those with mental illness can be as productive as those without mental health conditions. Read more: How to Manage Mental Illness at Work.

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