[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]Imagine that you trip and break your arm. Now imagine that you’re so embarrassed that you don’t tell your friends or family. You don’t even visit a doctor. Instead, you endure the pain and hope your arm heals in time.
On the surface, this can seem like an outlandish scenario; but for many living with a mental health condition, it’s part of everyday life. Even though 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health condition, fewer than half seek treatment, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Why? Often, it’s because the stigma surrounding mental health conditions leads to fear, shame, and judgment from others.
For Mental Health Awareness Month, which occurs each May, we’d like to bust a few myths surrounding mental health. After you read this article, we hope you will share it and have conversations with those you care about. By talking openly about it, we can help make treating a mental health condition as normal and expected as treating a broken arm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”14746″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
MYTH: It’s easy to tell when someone has a mental health condition.
FACT: Mental health conditions are often invisible disabilities. In other words, it can be difficult to know that someone has a mental health condition just by looking at them. As the recent passing of legendary country singer, Naomi Judd, reminds us, even those who seem to be happy or to “have it all” can be quietly struggling with mental health challenges.
MYTH: People with mental illness are more likely to be violent.
FACT: It is estimated that only about three-to-five percent of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, studies show that people with severe mental illness over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
MYTH: Having a mental health condition means you can’t work.
FACT: While some severe conditions may keep an individual from working, most people with mental health conditions lead full, productive lives. Overall, employers who hire those with known mental health conditions report that productivity, quality of work, and motivation are on par with other employees.
MYTH: There’s no hope for people with mental health conditions.
FACT: Although it’s true that there is no “cure” for someone with a mental health condition, there is great potential for recovery to a greater or lesser degree. According to Mental Health America, “Recovering from mental illness includes not only getting better but achieving a full and satisfying life. Many people affirm that their journey to recovery has not been a straight, steady road. Rather, there are ups and downs, new discoveries, and setbacks. The journey to full recovery takes time, but positive changes can happen all along the way.”
MYTH: I can’t do anything to help someone with a mental health condition.
FACT: Having a strong support system can go a long way toward helping someone recover. Not sure how to help? Educating yourself by reading articles like this. Treat them with respect. Use person-first language, instead of saying they’re “crazy” or “unbalanced.” Offer them mental health resources like those below. Finally, and most importantly, let them know that you’re there for them and want to help.
RESOURCES
Colorado Crisis Services Hotline
Call 844-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255
For more, see coloradocrisisservices.org
AspenPointe Crisis Stabilization Unit
Crisis line: 719-635-7000
Walk-in crisis stabilization unit: 115 S. Parkside Drive (where individuals may seek immediate help)
NAMI Colorado Springs
Call 719-473-8477 (Note: This is not a crisis line.)
Visit www.namicoloradosprings.org
The Independence Center
719-471-8181
Email Us
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a mental health condition as a disability if it limits one or more major life activities. As such, many mental health conditions are protected under the ADA, as well as other federal laws. The IC offers a variety of resources, information, and support – including assistance with housing, employment, disability benefits, and peer support – to help those with mental health conditions live more independently.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]