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Let’s talk about some myths and facts of mental health

MYTH: Mental health problems don’t affect me.

Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common.

• Every year:

  • One in five American adults experiences a mental health issue

  • One in 10 young people experiences a period of major depression

  • One in 25 Americans lives 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 - more than double the number of lives lost to homicide.

MYTH: People with mental illness are violent and unpredictable.

Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.

• Most people with mental illness are not violent and 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 violent crime than the general population.

• You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.

MYTH: Most people with mental health problems can’t hold down a job.

Fact: People with mental health problems who receive treatment are just as productive as other employees.

• Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

• When employees with mental health problems receive effective treatment, it can result in:

  • Lower total medical costs

  • Increased productivity

  • Lower absenteeism

  • Decreased disability costs

MYTH: Weakness or character flaws cause mental illness. People can snap out of it if they try hard enough.

Fact: Like physical illness, mental illness is caused by a combination of biological factors, life experience and family history. They have nothing to do with being lazy or weak, and many people need help to get better.

• Many factors contribute to mental health problems, 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 problems

  • People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.

MYTH: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.

Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to 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?

Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.  Quite often, a combination of medication and supportive counseling is most effective.

MYTH: Most people with mental illness get the treatment they need.

Are you starting to see a pattern? The fact is, only 40% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition receive mental health services. A combination of stigma and barriers to access prevent many people from receiving the treatment they need.

MYTH: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.

This might be the greatest myth of all. You can make a big difference. Friends, family members and co-workers 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

• Learning and sharing the 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"

Below are the symptoms of mental illness/distress, and how those symptoms may affect work productivity.

Sleep Problems

Lack of Concentration

Slowed Thoughts

Aches and Pains

Forgetfulness

aLCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Irritability or Tearfulness

Low Motivation or morale

By definition, mental illness impacts more than one aspect of a person’s life. That means that the symptoms of mental illness or emotional distress will often have a corresponding impact on a person’s performance and productivity in the workplace.  Above are just a few of the common ways that mental illness, when left unaddressed, can impact the employee and the workplace.

If you are a manager or supervisor, you are in a unique position to notice the signs and symptoms of distress and to create an environment where it is safe for employees to seek the help they may need.  You can also help guide employees to the resources available, such as the employee assistance program. But remember, it is neither a supervisor’s nor a co-worker’s role to diagnose.  Rather, refer those in visible distress to the resources that are available.