Menstuff® has compiled information and books on the issue of mental health.
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Is It Time to Confront Your
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Kids & Adolescents:
Myth: Teenagers don't suffer from "real" mental illnesses;
they are just moody.
Fact: One in ten children and adolescents suffer from mental
illness.
Myth: Talk about suicide is an idle threat that need not be
taken seriously.
Fact: 90% (or more) of all suicide victims have a mental
illness and/or a substance abuse problem. For people ages 15 to 24,
suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Myth: Childhood mental health problems are really the
result of poor parenting, and lack of discipline in the home.
Fact: Mental illnesses are often inherited from one generation
to another, and generally have little or nothing to do with
parenting.
"Just snap out of it."
Myth: Mental illness are not real, and cannot be
treated.
Fact: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, mental disorders
are as easy to diagnose as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Treatments
are effective 60% to 80% of the time!!
Myth: We're good people. Mental illness doesn't happen to
me and my family.
Fact: One in five Americans will suffer at some point from a
mental health problem. These Americans are from ALL backgrounds.
Depression -- "It's just the blues."
Myth: Depression is a normal part of life (aka the "blues")
that can be overcome without seeking treatment.
Fact: Depression is a real, treatable illness that effects 19
million adult Americans every year. It is the leading cause of
disability in the United States -- over back problems, heart disease
and liver failure.
Myth: Depression is a normal and expected part of
aging.
Fact: Five million older Americans suffer from clinical
depression; whereas seniors comprise 13% of the population, they
account for 20% of all suicides.
"I can't afford mental health care"
Myth: Private health insurance routinely does not cover
mental health services.
Fact: Well over 90% of companies with health insurance cover
some mental health care, but often in discriminatory ways.
Violence & Mental Illness
Myth: Stay away from people with mental illness because
they're violent.
Fact: Virtually every study shows that persons with mental
disorders are no more violent than other Americans, assuming that
they don't abuse alcohol or illegal drugs, and are receiving
treatment.
Homelessness
Myth: A homeless person suffering from mental illness has
little chance of recovery.
Fact: Homelessness can be significantly decreased when people
with untreated mental illnesses are connected to case management,
supported housing, and related services.
There Is Hope
Myth: There is no hope for people with mental illness.
Fact: Mental illnesses are successfully treated at a much
higher rate than other chronic health conditions.
There are many situations, such as a divorce in the family or
strained relationships with friends, that can cause emotional stress.
Difficult situations may make you feel sad or "blue" for a while.
That's different than having a mental health problem like depression.
See www.ndmda.org
for more information.
Young people suffering from depression often feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness and hopelessness for long periods. This depression may lead to suicidal feelings.
Certain experiences, thoughts, and feelings signal the presence of mental health problems or the need for help. The following signs are important to recognize:
It's not necessarily easy to spot these signs, or to figure out what they mean. Qualified mental health professionals are skilled in making an accurate diagnosis.
As a general rule: the longer the signs last, the more serious they are, and the more they interfere with daily life, the greater the chance that professional treatment is needed.
When dealing with mental health or emotional problems, it's important not to go at it alone.
First step: reach out to people you trust. Think of all the people you can turn to for support. These are people who are concerned about you and can help comfort you, who will listen to you and encourage you, and who can help arrange for treatment. In other words, find the caring people in your life who can help you. These people might include:
Research shows that males are more reluctant to look for help and receive it than females are. While some people may have difficulty reaching out to others they trust, taking this first step in getting help is important for everyone to do.
Some families have health insurance that helps them get the
services they need from mental health professionals. Insurance may
cover some of the cost of these services. Many insurance companies
provide a list of licensed mental health professionals in your
area.
I can do something else besides stuff a ball through a hoop. My biggest resource is my mind. - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
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