Learn the truth about mental health

Mental health is commonly misunderstood. There are several myths about mental illness and treatment that cause some families anxiety, fear and rejection of those who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The following data is from Mentalhealth.gov in a report given in 2014.

Myth No. 1: Mental illness isn't very common.

Truth No. 1: One in five adults experience mental health issues and one in 10 teenagers report experiencing a serious depressive episode. One in 25 adults are diagnosed with a serious mental health illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar or major depression.

Myth No. 2: Children don't experience mental health problems.

Truth No. 2: Children can demonstrate the warning signs of mental health concerns at a young age. Children demonstrate these challenges in their social behavior, such as struggling to engage appropriately with peers by being overly aggressive, isolated or demonstrating poor physical boundaries. Mental health can be passed down biologically as well as be influenced by environmental factors. Less 20 percent of children who are diagnosed with mental health challenges receive the treatment that they need. Early interventions help younger children with overcoming challenges with mental health barriers to decrease the risk of developmental milestones being negatively impacted.

Myth No. 3: People with mental health issues are violent and unpredictable.

Truth No. 3: Individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. People with mental illnesses are actually more likely to be the victims of a crime.

Individuals suffering with a mental illness or struggling with mental health challenges are all around us every day; most we may never recognize. It is important to encourage and support those who struggle with mental health challenges and recognize that we can all play a positive role in educating ourselves about promoting positive mental health in our community.

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Editor's note: Amanda Childs is the social worker for Pea Ridge Schools.

Community on 12/09/2015