MENTAL ILLNESS FACTS AND MYTHS
# 1 Myth: Mental health problems are rare
Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. However, because of the silence, shame and stigma, mental health conditions often go unaddressed.
#2 Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.
#3 Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Only 3%–5% of violent acts are associated with individuals living with a serious mental illness.
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#4 Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems.
Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak. Many factors contribute to mental health problems.
#5 Myth: Science/Psychology/Counseling opposes God (Faith).
Fact: Science/Psychology/Counseling is because of God (Faith) and reveals God (Faith).
Public Health/Mental Health (by the numbers):
Depression is the #1 disability in the World!
The World Health Organization predicted that depression will become the second-leading cause of death by the end of 2020.
According to recent statistics with the combination of a global pandemic, economic downturn, and the harsh realities of racial inequities, people are struggling more than ever. Today, more than 1 in 3 people in the U.S. have symptoms of anxiety or depression, with even greater increases for Black and Asian Americans. However, prior to 2020, the stats were 1 in 4 adults (approximately 57 million) and 1 in 5 children (approximately 52 million) will experience a mental illness in any given year in the U.S.
One-half of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14; three-quarters by the age of 24.
50%-80% of the children ages 8-15 experiencing a mental health condition do not receive appropriate, timely treatment because of the stigma of mental illness.
90% of people who die by suicide had one or more mental health conditions (adult and youth).
In the U.S. economy, serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year.
Every $1.00 spent on interventions and awareness saves $2.50 in cost of suicides.