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

Mental Health Conditions

Mental illnesses are disorders, ranging from mild to severe, that affect a person’s thinking, mood, and/or behavior. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one-in-five adults live with a mental illness.

Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

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

Some mental health topics include:

• Antisocial personality disorder
• Anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, and social anxiety)
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Depression
• Eating disorders (including Anorexia Nervosa, binge eating Disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Self-harm
• Suicide and suicidal behavior

A Serious Mental Illness (SMI) is a mental illness that interferes with a person’s life and ability to function. Despite common misperceptions, having an SMI is not a choice, a weakness, or a character flaw. It is not something that just “passes” or can be “snapped out of” with willpower.

Early Warning Signs & Symptoms

Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:

• Eating or sleeping too much or too little
• Pulling away from people and usual activities
• Having low or no energy
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling helpless or hopeless
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Yelling or fighting with family and friends
• Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Having persistent thoughts and memories you can't get out of your head
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking of harming yourself or others
• Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school

Do you think someone you know may have a mental health problem? Talking about mental health can be difficult. Learn about common mental health myths and facts and read about ways to help you get the conversation started.

Tips for Living Well with a Mental Health Condition

Having a mental health condition can make it a struggle to work, keep up with school, stick to a regular schedule, have healthy relationships, socialize, maintain hygiene, and more.

However, with early and consistent treatment—often a combination of medication and psychotherapy—it is possible to manage these conditions, overcome challenges, and lead a meaningful, productive life.

Today, there are new tools, evidence-based treatments, and social support systems that help people feel better and pursue their goals. Some of these tips, tools and strategies include:

• Stick to a treatment plan. Even if you feel better, don’t stop going to therapy or taking medication without a doctor’s guidance. Work with a doctor to safely adjust doses or medication if needed to continue a treatment plan.
• Keep your primary care physician updated. Primary care physicians are an important part of long-term management, even if you also see a psychiatrist.
• Learn about the condition. Being educated can help you stick to your treatment plan. Education can also help your loved ones be more supportive and compassionate.
• Practice good self-care. Control stress with activities such as meditation or tai-chi; eat healthy and exercise; and get enough sleep.
• Reach out to family and friends. Maintaining relationships with others is important. In times of crisis or rough spells, reach out to them for support and help.
• Develop coping skills. Establishing healthy coping skills can help people deal with stress easier.
• Get enough sleep. Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and overall health. Consistently poor sleep is associated with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Need Help?

• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
• To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
• To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

If you have or believe you may have a mental health problem, it can be helpful to talk about these issues with others. It can be scary to reach out for help, but it is often the first step to helping you heal, grow, and recover. Having a good support system and engaging with trustworthy people are key elements to successfully talking about your own mental health.

Build Your Support System

Find someone—such as a parent, family member, teacher, faith leader, health care provider, or other trusted individual, who:

• Gives good advice when you asked
• Assists you in taking actions that will help
• Likes, respects, and trusts you and is someone you like, respect, and trust, too
• Allows you the space to change, grow, make decisions, and even make mistakes
• Listens to you and shares with you, both the good and bad times
• Respects your need for confidentiality so you can tell them anything
• Lets you freely express and validates your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing
• Works with you to figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up
• Has your best interests in mind

Find a Peer Group

Find a group of people with mental health problems similar to yours. Peer support relationships can positively affect individual recovery because:

• People who have common life experiences have a unique ability to help each other
• People offer their experiences, strengths, and hopes to peers, which allows for natural evolution of personal growth, wellness promotion, and recovery
• Peers can be very supportive since they have “been there” and serve as living examples that individuals can and do recover
• Peers also serve as advocates and support others who may experience discrimination and prejudice

You may want to start or join a self-help or peer support group. National organizations across the country have peer support networks and peer advocates. Learn about the way to find an organization that can help you connect.

Participate in Your Treatment Decisions

It’s also important for you to be educated, informed, and engaged about your own mental health.

• Find out as much as you can from a reputable source about mental health wellness and information specific to your diagnosed mental health problem.
• Get tips to set up an appointment.
• There are many treatment options and support services to address mental health needs, as well as drug or alcohol use.

Get involved in your treatment through shared decision-making. Participate fully with your mental health provider and make informed treatment decisions together. Participating fully in shared decision making includes:

• Recognizing a decision needs to be made
• Identifying partners in the process as equals
• Stating options as equal
• Exploring understanding and expectations
• Identifying preferences
• Negotiating options/concordance
• Sharing decisions
• Arranging follow-up to evaluate decision-making outcomes

Develop a Recovery Plan

Recovery is a process of change where individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Studies show that most people with mental health problems get better, and many recover completely.

You may want to develop a written recovery plan. Recovery plans:

• Enable you to identify goals for achieving wellness
• Specify what you can do to reach those goals
• Can be daily activities as well as longer-term goals
• Track your mental health problem
• Identify triggers or other stressful events that can make you feel worse, and help you learn how to manage them

You can develop these plans with family members and other supporters. Learn more about recovery.

Mental health problems don't only affect adults. Children, teenagers, and young adults can have mental health problems, too. In fact, 3 out of 4 people with mental health problems showed signs before they were 24-years-old.

What Does “Mental Health Problem” Mean?

Are you having trouble doing the things you like to do or need to do because of how you feel—like going to school, work, or hanging out with friends?

Are you having a rough day? Have you been feeling down for a while? Everyone goes through tough times, and no matter how long you've had something on your mind, it's important that you talk to someone about it.

Talk to your parent, guardian, or a trusted adult if you experience any of these things:

Can't eat or sleep

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Can't perform daily tasks like going to school
• Don't want to hang out with your friends or family
• Don't want to do things you usually enjoy
• Fight a lot with family and friends
• Can't control your emotions, and it's affecting your relationships with your family and friends
• Have low or no energy, or feel hopeless

Feel numb or like nothing matters

• Feel numb or like nothing matters
• Can't stop thinking about certain things or memories
• Feel confused, forgetful, edgy, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Want to harm yourself or others
• Have random aches and pains
• Smoke or drink excessively
• Hear voices

Learn more about specific mental health problems.

Learn more about specific mental health problems.

Learn More About Young People, Bullying and Mental Health

• Is your mental health, or someone else's, affected by bullying? Learn what to do if you or someone you know is being bullied.
• Once you know the facts about mental health problems, you can share them with other people. Remember to treat people with mental health problems with respect.

Get Help

You are not alone. Lots of people have been where you are or are there right now. But there are also lots of people who want to help you.

Another way to get help is by talking to someone you trust. This could be a parent, family member, teacher, school counselor, spiritual leader or another trusted adult, who:

• Gives good advice when you want and ask for it
• Respects your need for privacy so you can tell him or her anything
• Lets you talk freely about your feelings and emotions without judging, teasing, or criticizing
• Helps you figure out what to do the next time a difficult situation comes up

As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your children or other dependents. You may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit and how to ensure they get help.

What to Look For

It is important to be aware of warning signs that your child may be struggling. You can play a critical role in knowing when your child may need help.

Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks
• Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so
• Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
• Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
• Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
• Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight
• Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
• Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school
• Using drugs or alcohol
• Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality
• A drop in their school performance

Because children often can't understand difficult situations on their own, you should pay particular attention if they experience:

• Loss of a loved one
• Divorce or separation of their parents
• Any major transition—new home, new school, etc.
• Traumatic life experiences, like living through a natural disaster
• Teasing or bullying
• Difficulties in school or with classmates

What to Do

If you are concerned about your child's behaviors, it is important to get appropriate care. You should:

• Talk to your child's doctor, school nurse, or another health care provider and seek further information about the behaviors or symptoms that worry you
• Ask your child's primary care physician if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems
• Ask if your child's specialist is experienced in treating the problems you are observing
• Talk to your medical provider about any medication and treatment plans

How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Child

Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health?

Do you need help starting a conversation with your child about mental health?

Try leading with these questions, and actively listen to your child's response:

• Can you tell me more about what is happening? How are you feeling?
• Have you had feelings like this in the past?
• Sometimes you need to talk to an adult about your feelings. I'm here to listen. How can I help you feel better?
• Do you feel like you want to talk to someone else about your problem?
• I'm worried about your safety. Can you tell me if you have thoughts about harming yourself or others?

When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:

When talking about mental health problems with your child you should:

• Communicate in a straightforward manner
• Speak at a level that is appropriate to a child or adolescent's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details than teenagers)
• Discuss the topic when your child feels safe and comfortable
• Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if your child becomes confused or looks upset
• Listen openly and let your child tell you about their feelings and worries

Learn More About Supporting Your Children

There are many resources for parents and caregivers who want to know more about children's mental health. Learn more about:

• Recognizing mental health problems in children, how they are affected, and what you can do
• Diagnosing and treating children with mental health problems
• Talking to children and youth after a disaster or traumatic event
• Start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age

Get Help for Your Child

Seek immediate assistance if you think your child is in danger of harming themselves or others. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 or chat the Lifeline.

If your child is in need of community mental health services, there are many resources for you.

Anyone can experience mental health problems. Friends and family can make all the difference in a person's recovery process.

Supporting a Friend or Family Member with Mental Health Problems

You can help your friend or family member by recognizing the signs of mental health problems and connecting them to professional help.

Talking to friends and family about mental health problems can be an opportunity to provide information, support, and guidance. Learning about mental health issues can lead to:

• Improved recognition of early signs of mental health problems
• Earlier treatment
• Greater understanding and compassion

If a friend or family member is showing signs of a mental health problem or reaching out to you for help, offer support by:

• Finding out if the person is getting the care that they need and want—if not, connect them to help
• Expressing your concern and support
• Reminding your friend or family member that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated
• Asking questions, listening to ideas, and being responsive when the topic of mental health problems come up
• Reassuring your friend or family member that you care about them
• Offering to help your friend or family member with everyday tasks
• Including your friend or family member in your plans—continue to invite them without being overbearing, even if your friend or family member resists your invitations
• Educating other people so they understand the facts about mental health problems and do not discriminate
• Treating people with mental health problems with respect, compassion, and empathy

How to Talk About Mental Health

Do you need help starting a conversation about mental health? Try leading with these questions and make sure to actively listen to your friend or family member's response:

• I've been worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If not, who are you comfortable talking to?
• What can I do to help you to talk about issues with your parents or someone else who is responsible and cares about you?
• What else can I help you with?
• I am someone who cares and wants to listen. What do you want me to know about how you are feeling?
• Who or what has helped you deal with similar issues in the past?
• Sometimes talking to someone who has dealt with a similar experience helps. Do you know of others who have experienced these types of problems who you can talk with?
• It seems like you are going through a difficult time. How can I help you to find help?
• How can I help you find more information about mental health problems?
• I'm concerned about your safety. Have you thought about harming yourself or others?

When talking about mental health problems:

• Know how to connect people to help
• Communicate in a straightforward manner
• Speak at a level appropriate to a person's age and development level (preschool children need fewer details as compared to teenagers)
• Discuss the topic when and where the person feels safe and comfortable
• Watch for reactions during the discussion and slow down or back up if the person becomes confused or looks upset

Sometimes it is helpful to make a comparison to a physical illness. For example, many people get sick with a cold or the flu, but only a few get really sick with something serious like pneumonia. People who have a cold are usually able to do their normal activities. However, if they get pneumonia, they will have to take medicine and may have to go to the hospital.

Similarly, feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, irritability, or sleep problems are common for most people. However, when these feelings get very intense, last for a long period of time, and begin to interfere with school, work, and relationships, it may be a sign of a mental health problem. And just like people need to take medicine and get professional help for physical conditions, someone with a mental health problem may need to take medicine and/or participate in therapy to get better.

Educators are often the first to notice mental health problems in children and young adults. Here are some ways you can help your students and their families.

What Educators Should Know

You should know:

• The warning signs for mental health problems.
• How to promote mental health and substance use prevention in schools and on campuses.
• Whom to turn to, such as the principal, school nurse, school psychiatrist or psychologist, or school social worker, if you have questions or concerns about a student's behavior.
• How to access crisis support and other mental health services.

What Educators Should Look for in Student Behavior

Consult with a school counselor, nurse, or administrator and the student's parents if you observe one or more of the following behaviors:

• Feeling very sad or withdrawn for more than two weeks
• Seriously trying to harm oneself, or making plans to do so
• Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
• Involvement in many fights or desire to badly hurt others
• Severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
• Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make oneself lose weight
• Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
• Extreme difficulty concentrating or staying still that puts the student in physical danger or causes problems in the classroom
• Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
• Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
• Drastic changes in the student's behavior or personality

What Educators Can Do in Classrooms and Schools

You can support the mental health of all students in your classroom and school, not just individual students who may exhibit behavioral issues. Consider the following actions:

• Learn more about mental health by taking a mental health awareness training
• Promote social and emotional competency and build resilience
• Help ensure a positive, safe school environment
• Teach and reinforce positive behaviors and decision-making
• Encourage helping others
• Encourage good physical health
• Help ensure access to school-based mental health supports

Developing Effective School Mental Health Programs

Efforts to care for the emotional well-being of children and youth can extend beyond the classroom and into the entire school. School-based mental health programs can focus on promoting mental wellness, preventing mental health problems, and providing treatment.

Effective programs:

• Promote the healthy social and emotional development of all children and youth
• Recognize when young people are at risk for, or are experiencing, mental health problems
• Identify how to intervene early and appropriately when there are problems

Learn More about Ways to Support Your Students and Their Families

• Learn evidence-based strategies for supporting student mental health in the classroom
• Work with your state, district, and school to learn about school mental health and develop a school mental health program
• Access resources for educators, administrators, and school mental health professionals
• Coping tips for traumatic events and disasters

Faith and community leaders are often the first point of contact when individuals and families face mental health problems or traumatic events. In fact, in times of crisis, many will turn to trusted leaders in their communities before they turn to mental health professionals.

Creating Community Connections for Mental Health

When leaders know how to respond, they can help educate individuals and families about mental health, increasing awareness of mental health issues and making it easier for people to seek help. Community connectedness and support are also important to the long-term recovery of people living with mental illnesses.

Faith communities are also in a unique position to reach many of the millions of Americans who struggle with serious thoughts of suicide each year. Many people having thoughts of suicide feel hopeless, trapped, and often struggle to face another day. Suicidal thoughts are often accompanied by a spiritual crisis or deep questioning about the purpose of life.

Faith leaders who are better able to recognize the signs of suicide, and know how to respond, can serve as an expanded safety net for those most in need.

What Community and Faith Leaders Can Do

Educate your communities and congregations. Promote awareness by educating the members of your communities and congregations about mental health issues through educational forums and other opportunities.

• Invite local mental health experts—including those who have experienced mental illness—to speak with your congregation or at community gatherings.
• Share facts and common myths about mental health.
• Support the development of a trauma-informed community (PDF | 383 KB). Trauma often lies beneath seemingly unrelated problems.
• Organize additional meetings, dinners, or other gatherings for members of your congregation or community to have conversations about mental health.

Identify opportunities to support people with mental illnesses. Religious and other community organizations can play an important role in supporting individuals living with mental illnesses and encouraging them to seek help.

• Consider offering your organization's meeting spaces for community conversations and support groups focused on addressing mental health issues.
• Provide space for peer-led groups that give people the chance to tell their stories in their own time and way.
• Include safe shared spaces for people to interact (for example, parks and community centers) that can foster healthy relationships and positive mental health among community members.
• Support community programs (for example: peer mentoring programs or opportunities for volunteering) that encourage social participation and inclusion for all people.

Connect individuals and families to help. Strengthen the connections within your community to mental health services and support and enhance linkages between mental health, substance abuse, disability, and other social services.

• Learn the basic signs of mental illnesses and other facts about mental health to encourage those in need to seek help.
• Remind others that people can and do recover from mental health challenges and that help is available and effective.
• Train key community members (such as adults who work with the children, youth, older adults, veterans, and LGBTQIA+) to identify the signs of depression and suicide and refer people to resources.
• Develop relationships with local mental health service providers and other family and youth organizations to help to direct individuals and families in need to available services and support in the community.
• Share the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in your community newsletter or other publications. Call or text 988 or chat the Lifeline.

Promote acceptance of those with mental health issues. The voices of leaders and members of faith-based and other community organizations can greatly influence attitudes about mental health conditions and those who experience them.

• Talk about your own mental health openly.
• Be an example of taking good care of your mental health by making mental wellness a priority in your personal life.
• Be inclusive. Mental health affects all of us.
• Foster opportunities to build connections with individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges through trust and acceptance.
• Foster safe and supportive environments for people to openly talk about mental health, stress, trauma, and related issues.
• Encourage and express empathy in your family, congregation, and community. Convey a message of nonviolence, acceptance, and compassion.

Don’t wait for a health care provider to ask about your mental health. Start the conversation. Here are five tips to help prepare and guide you on talking to a health care provider about your mental health and getting the most out of your visit.

1.Talk to a primary care provider.

If you don’t know where to start for help, you may want to consider bringing up your mental health concerns during your appointment with a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP is a health care practitioner people see for common medical problems, and this person is often a doctor. However, a PCP may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner.

Mental health is an integral part of health, and people with mental disorders can often be at risk for other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes. In many primary care settings, you may be asked if you’re feeling anxious or depressed, or if you have had thoughts of suicide. Even if your PCP doesn’t ask you first, take this opportunity to talk to your PCP, who can help refer you to a mental health professional. You also can visit the NIMH Find Help for Mental Illnesses webpage for help finding a health care provider or treatment.

2. Prepare ahead of your visit.

Health care providers have a limited time for each appointment, so it may be helpful to think of your questions or concerns beforehand.

• Prepare your questions. Make a list of what you want to discuss and any questions or concerns you might have. This worksheet may help you prepare your questions or concerns.
• Prepare a list of your medications. It’s important to tell your health care provider about all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. This worksheet can help you track your medications.
• Review your family history. Certain mental illnesses tend to run in families and having a relative with a mental disorder could mean you’re at higher risk. Knowing your family mental health history can help determine your risk for certain disorders. It can also help your health care provider recommend actions for reducing your risk and enable you and your provider to look for early warning signs.

3. Consider bringing a friend or relative.

It can be difficult to absorb all the information your health care provider shares, especially if you are not feeling well. Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a close friend or relative to your appointment. A companion can be there for support, help you take notes, and remember what you and the provider discussed. They also might be able to offer input to your provider about how they think you are doing. Some people like having a friend or family member there throughout an appointment, while others prefer to first meet alone with a health care provider and then have a trusted friend or relative join them when recommendations for treatments are discussed.

4. Be honest.

Your health care provider can help you get better only if you have open and honest communication. It is important to remember that discussions between you and a health care provider are private and cannot be shared with anyone without your expressed permission. Describe all your symptoms to your provider and be specific about when they started, how severe they are, and how often they occur. You should also share any major stressors or recent life changes that could be triggering or exacerbating your symptoms.

Symptoms of mental illnesses may include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Irritability
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• Decreased energy or fatigue
• Moving or talking more slowly
• Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
• Appetite or weight changes (or both)
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment

5. Ask questions.

If you have questions or concerns, ask the health care provider for more information about the mental health diagnosis or treatment. If a provider suggests a treatment option that you’re not comfortable or familiar with, express your concerns and ask if there are other options. You may decide to try a combination of treatment approaches and want to consider getting another opinion from a different health care provider. It’s important to remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. To find one that works best for you, you may need to talk to a few other health care providers to find someone you are comfortable with and try several different treatments or a combination of treatments.

Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths and information to help destigmatize them. 

Get the Facts

Myth: Mental health issues can't affect me.

Fact: Mental health issues can affect anyone. In 2020, about:

• One in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year
• One in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode
• One in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

Additionally, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Suicide has accounted for the loss of more than 45,979 American lives in 2020, nearly double the number of lives lost to homicide.

Myth: Children don't experience mental health issues.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health conditions are often clinically diagnosable and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14-years-old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.

Unfortunately, only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health conditions receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs.

Myth: People with mental health conditions are violent.

Fact: Most people with mental health conditions are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.

Only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health condition and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health conditions are highly active and productive members of our communities.

Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental health conditions, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.

Fact: People with mental health conditions can be just as productive as other employees, especially when they are able to manage their mental health condition well. Employers often do not know if someone has a mental health condition, but if the condition is known to the employer, they often report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with, or greater than, other employees.

Myth: Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can "snap out of it" if they try hard enough.

Fact: Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health conditions, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
• Family history of mental health conditions

People with mental health conditions can get better and many seek recovery support.

Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health issues. Once a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, they will never recover.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health conditions get better and many are on a path to recovery. Recovery refers to the process in which people can live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

Fact: Treatment for mental health conditions vary depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals do best when they work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.

Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health issue.

Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. In 2020, only 20% of adults received any mental health treatment in the past year, which included 10% who received counseling or therapy from a professional. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

• Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
• Helping them access mental health services
• Help them learn self-care and coping techniques
• Learning and sharing facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true
• Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else
• Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy", instead use person-first language

Myth: It is impossible to prevent a mental health condition.

Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health conditions. Promoting a person’s social-emotional well-being leads to:

• Higher overall productivity
• Better educational outcomes
• Lower crime rates
• Stronger economies
• Improved quality of life
• Increased lifespan
• Improved family life