Test your knowledge about mental health. Click the question to view more information.
Seeking Counselling services means I have a mental illness. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
Going to counselling does not necessarily mean that one has a mental illness. People seek counselling for a wide range of issues and concerns including: problems with adjusting to a new culture or environment, feelings of distress about school, family or personal relationships, situational crises, feelings of depression or anxiety, etc.
Mental illnesses are rare. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
Mental illnesses can affect almost anyone at any stage of life. In Canada, approximately 20% of young adults between the ages of 15 and 24 have personally experienced mental illness. The remaining 80% have likely been indirectly affected through family, friends, and colleagues.
People should feel ashamed about being diagnosed with a mental illness. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
There is nothing to be ashamed about. Although there can be fear and stigma surrounding mental illnesses, it is important to remember that this fear and stigma often stems from misinformation. People sometimes make assumptions and judgements about others based on what they think they know, rather than on what is actually true. Stigma occurs when one feels ashamed, disgraced, or rejected, and often accompanies situations where people feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. It is important to erase the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses so that more people will gain the confidence they need to seek help.
People with mental illnesses will not get better. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
People diagnosed with mental illnesses can still lead very productive and fulfilling lives with the help of treatment, counselling services, or community support groups. Although some mental illnesses are more debilitating than others, they can all be effectively managed.
People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
The vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent than anyone else. Instead, people with mental illness are much more likely to be the victims of crime. You probably know someone with a mental illness and don’t even realize it.
People with mental illnesses lack intelligence. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
Many people diagnosed with a mental illness are brilliant, creative, and productive people. However, some people with mental illnesses have difficulty remembering facts, interacting with other people, or experience fluctuations in thinking, mood, and behaviour. Overall, people with mental illnesses have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.
Mental illnesses are a consequence of a weakness in character. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
Mental illness is not a result of personal weakness. Instead, mental illnesses are caused by a combination of biological (e.g., family history of mental illness), psychological (e.g., severe and prolonged stress or abuse), environmental (e.g., birth trauma or head injury), or social (e.g., loss of loved one or unemployment) factors.
Treatments for mental illnesses are ineffective. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
The road to recovery involves many factors including the type of mental illness, the specific needs of the individual, self-efficacy, type of treatment intervention, amount of support, and more. Research suggests that most people with mental illness get better and many recover completely.
As a friend, you can’t do anything for a person with mental health difficulties. TRUE OR FALSE?
FALSE
You can do a lot, starting with how you act and speak. Try to create an environment that builds on people’s strengths and promotes understanding. If you notice that someone you care about is struggling with a mental health issue, you can be supportive, listen non-judgementally, and encourage them to seek support from friends, family members, and professionals (i.e., doctors, counsellors, help lines). If the person is open to getting help, connect them with resources on- or off-campus that can help.
Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most common mental health myths. Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2020, about: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, it was the 2nd leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. It accounted for the loss of more than 45,979 American lives in 2020, nearly double the number
of lives lost to homicide. Learn more about mental health problems. Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems 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 problems receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with other developmental needs. 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. Fact: People with mental health problems 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: Fact: Mental health problems 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:Mental Health Problems Affect Everyone
Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me.
Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.
Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.
Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
- 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.
Helping Individuals with Mental Health Problems
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.
Fact: 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?
Fact: 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.
Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.
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
- 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", instead use person-first language
Myth: Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.
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 problems. Promoting the social-emotional well-being of children and youth leads to:
- Higher overall productivity
- Better educational outcomes
- Lower crime rates
- Stronger economies
- Lower health care costs
- Improved quality of life
- Increased lifespan
- Improved family life
Last Updated: 02/28/2022