May is Mental Health Awareness Month
President Obama has declared May 2016 as Mental Health Awareness Month! Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps us determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental Health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Mental health issues are very common and help is available. One of the greatest barriers to treatment is the stigma that often surrounds mental health. Let’s look at some common myths about mental health:
Myth: Mental health problems don’t affect me
Truth: Everyone knows someone who struggles with mental health problems.
1 in 5 Americans experience a mental health issue.
1 in 10 people experience clinical depression.
Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable
Truth: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than any-one 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 over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don’t even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Truth: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.
Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Truth: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- 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 mental health problems can get better – knowing the truth helps people get healthy.
Bon Secours Behavioral Health Group is committed to raising awareness and fighting stigma about mental health. If you have questions or concerns about mental well-being for yourself or a family member, reach out to Bon Secours Behavioral Health Group.
This information was taken from the US Department of Health & Human services website. Click here to find more helpful information about mental health.