By Jeanette Arnold, MSW, LCSW, ACSW

We all play a role in creating a mentally healthy community that supports prevention, treatment and recovery. One of the best ways to help is learning to distinguish between the facts about mental illness – and the fiction.

This is the first article in a two-part series about the stigma of mental illness.

FICTION: A mental illness means you’re crazy.

FACT: No. It means you have a disease. Using cruel labels such as “crazy” or “psycho” only causes pain and discourages people from seeking help. Mental illnesses are very real, very common, and can be devastating.

FICTION: People with mental illness can pull themselves out of it.

FACT: A mental illness is not caused by a personal weakness, nor can it be “cured” by personal strength. Proper treatment is needed.

FICTION: People with mental illness will always be ill.

FACT: For some people, a mental illness can be a lifelong condition like diabetes. But just like diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with mental illness to lead full lives.

FICTION: People with a mental illness are often violent.

FACT: The truth is people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violence. People who are violent because of mental illness are rare.

FICTION: Children don’t suffer from mental illness.

FACT: Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental illness. Getting proper treatment for children is essential.

FICTION: I’m not likely to be affected by mental illness.

FACT: A mental illness can affect anyone. It strikes people of all ages, races and economic backgrounds, whether or not there is a family history of mental illness. The good news is new treatments become available regularly.

Learn to recognize warning signs:

1. Changes in daily routines such as sleeping or eating, or other unexplained physical problems.
2. Confused thinking or speech.
3. Delusions.
4. Denial, refusing to admit there’s a problem or refusing to seek help.
5. Abuse of alcohol or other drugs.
6. Prolonged depression.
7. Hallucinations.
8. Inability to cope with daily activities.
9. Mood swings.
10. Excessive fears, worries or anxieties.
11. Strong feelings of anger.
12. Suicidal thoughts or threats.
13. Withdrawal from family life, friends and usual activities.

If warning signs are persistent, seek professional help. BJC EAP can help you determine the best treatment option for you. Treatment options can include:

• Psychotherapy – This is counseling with a mental health provider with the goal of understanding your feelings and learning to cope.
• Medication – Drugs can be used to adjust brain chemistry. They can be prescribed by a physician.
• Combined treatment – This is the integration of psychotherapy and medication.
• Care management – This is when a care manager works closely with an individual based on specific needs.
• Peer support – This is help provided by others who share mental health issues. It can be done with another individual or a group.

(Sources: MentalHealth.gov, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Health)