Into A Looking Glass: Mental Health Information

Facts vs. Myth

Facts: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2011, about:

One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue
One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression
One in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than 38,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. *1 (see link below)

Some Common Myths:

Kids can't get depression and anxiety disorders, only adults can.
Kids only get a mental illness because they have bad parents.
Mental illness is the same as being mentally disabled.
Having a mental illness means you're a wimp who can't handle life.
When people have mental illness, they will never get better. *2 (see link below)

What is Mental Health?

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps 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.

Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

Biological factors, such as genes or brian chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health problems

Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better many recover completely. *3 (see link below)

Recovery it is Possible

Most people with mental health can get better. Treatment and recovery are ongoing processes that happen over time. The first step is getting help.

What is Recovery?

Recovery from mental disorders and/or substance abuse disorders is a process of change through which individuals:

Improve their health and wellness
Live a self-directed life
Strive to achieve their full potential *4 (see link below)

"Recovery is a personal and unique process, everyone with a psychiatric illness develps his or her own defininition of recovery." *5 (see link below)

Links to Get Help:

There are many more resources available and many states & countries have their own hotlines. These are just a few main ones I have found. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide please call the Prevention Lifeline below, or if it is an emergency call 911 for help.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255