Mental Health Myths & Facts

MYTH: Mental health problems won’t affect me or my loved ones.

FACT: Mental health problems are common. Many adults and young people experience them each year. Anyone can be affected, no matter their age or background.

MYTH: Children don’t have mental health problems.

FACT: Children can showearly signs of mental health issues. Many mental health conditions begin in childhood or the teen years.

MYTH: Mental health and behavioral health are the same thing.

FACT:  They are related, but they are not the same. Mental health is about your thoughts and emotions. Behavioral health looks at how your actions and habits affect your overall health.

MYTH: You can always tell when someone has a mental health problem because they act in violent or unpredictable ways.

FACT: Most people with mental health conditions are not violent. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence than to cause it.

MYTH: I can’t help someone with a mental health problem.

FACT: You can:

• Reach out and listen
• Help them find mental health services
• Learn the facts and share them
• Treat them with respect and kindness

MYTH: You can’t prevent mental health problems. 

FACT: You can:

• Better school outcomes
• Healthier choices
• Lower crime
• Stronger communities
• Better quality of life
• Longer life
• Healthier families