Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with mental health disorders, but only half of those people ever receive help. The good news is that treatment is available for mild, moderate to severe mental health disorders. 

It is, however, important for people to know the truth about mental illness, as this can help them recognize their symptoms (or a loved one’s symptoms) to access care sooner than later. 

Myth #1: Mental health problems are not as common as people think. 

Fact: Mental disorders are common and among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide, according to the WHO.

Even before the coronavirus pandemic, mental health affected millions of people. Today, one in five Americans experience a mental health issue, and one in six young people experience a major depressive episode each year. 

Suicide also remains a leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 in 2020. It took the lives of some 46,000 people, and many more thought about or attempted suicide. 

Myth #2: Children and teens aren’t affected by poor mental health. 

Fact: Half of mental disorders show their first signs before age 14. Seventy-five percent appear before age 24.

Most mental disorders appear before a person becomes an adult. The symptoms can be hard to spot, because they often show up during adolescence, when teens are naturally more moody and withdrawn. 

It’s important that we discard this myth, because it can cause parents and guardians to overlook the signs of mental illness. The most common disorders that affect kids and teens are generalized anxiety, social phobias and depression. Learn more about the symptoms of mental illness in kids here. 

Myth #3: Personality flaws or weaknesses lead to mental illness. ‘Strong’ people do not have these problems. 

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being strong or weak. They can, and do, affect anyone. 

While the exact cause of mental health problems is unknown, researchers believe it’s a combination of factors, such as genes, life experiences, brain chemistry and family history. Based on these factors, experts are becoming better at identifying people at risk. 

Early identification is important, as prevention works! Preventing mental illness not only stops damage and long-term suffering, but also promotes better grades in school, stronger economies, lower health care costs and higher productivity. 

Myth #4: Most people with mental illness get help. 

Fact: In the U.S., 45 percent of individuals with a clinical-level mental problem do not receive professional help. 

There are many reasons why people don’t seek help, including a lack of knowledge of where to find it, a lack of confidence in treatment, fear of people finding out and not being able to afford it. 

In reality, treatment for mental illness can be affordable, especially with insurance. Under the ACA rules, insurance companies offer coverage for mental disorders. Plus, research continually shows that treatment is effective and helps millions of people lead productive, fulfilling lives. 

Myth #5: Mental disorders can be treated with a pill. 

Fact: People with mental illness respond best with therapy, counseling, and medications combined. 

If a magic pill was available, everyone would feel great! While mental disorders respond well to treatment, you still need to put in the work. Medication is part of the equation, but most people also need therapy, group counseling, and life skills training. 

We hope you learned some new things from this article! Don’t let your awareness of mental illness stop here. Be sure to share this information with others, so that we can work together to help those in need get the treatment they deserve. 

Please contact us when and if you are ready for Awakenings Treatment Center to help.