Question 1

MYTH: Teenagers don't suffer from "real" mental illnesses; they are just moody."

Accepted Answer

FACT: One in ten children and adolescents suffer from mental illness. Most severe mental illnesses start in the teenage years.

Question 2

MYTH: Talk about suicide is an idle threat that need not be taken seriously.

Accepted Answer

FACT: One in ten children and adolescents suffer from mental illness. Most severe mental illnesses start in the teenage years.

Question 3

MYTH: Mental health problems are really the result of poor parenting and lack of discipline in the home.

Accepted Answer

FACT: Mental illnesses are often inherited from one generation to another and generally have little or nothing to do with parenting. They can also be caused by problems during pregnancy or by head trauma.

Question 4

MYTH: Mental illnesses are not real and cannot be treated.

Accepted Answer

FACT: Mental disorders are diagnosed in the same way as asthma, diabetes and cancer. Treatments of mental illness are effective 60%-80% of the time. This rate meets or exceeds success rates for cutting edge treatment for heart disease.

Question 5

MYTH: We're good people. Mental illness doesn't happen to me and my family.

Accepted Answer

FACT: One in four Americans will suffer at some point from a mental health problem. These Americans are from ALL backgrounds. There is no way to predict who will develop a mental illness.

Question 6

MYTH: Depression (aka "the blues") is a normal part of life that can be overcome without seeking treatment."

Accepted Answer

FACT: Major depression is a real, treatable illness that affects 50% of adult Americans every year. It is the leading cause of disability for those between ages 15-44 in the United States.

Question 7

MYTH: Private health insurance routinely does not cover mental health services.

Accepted Answer

FACT: Well over 90% of companies with health insurance cover some mental health care.

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