You At Your Best

6 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JUnE - mEnTAl HEAlTH | SATURdAY, mAY 25, 2019 Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me. Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about: • One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue • One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression • One in 25 Americans lived 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. It accounts for the loss of more than 41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems. Fact: 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. Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable. Fact: 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. Myth: People with mental health needs cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job. 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. 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. 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: • 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 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. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work. Mental health and substance use conditions are common 18 Percent of adults have a mental health condition ... Nearly HALF have a co-occuring substance abuse disorder ... that's more than 43 MILLION AmericANs 9.6 miLLiON experience suicidal ideation Most Americans lack access to mental health care 56 Percent of American adults with mental illness DO NOT receive treatment 7.7 Percent of youth had NO Access to mental health services through their private insurance report an unmet need 1 5 iN Mental Health: There is a shortage of providers 1 510 in a 5 year period, rates of severe youth depression have increased 5.9% 8.2% That's enough to fill every major league baseball stadium on the east coast twice 1.7 Million + Youths with major depressive episodes who did not receive treatment Youth mental health is worsening and access to care is limited 5 Percent rates of uninsured adults with a mental illness decreased by Healthcare reform is helping states that increased medicaid expansion in Arkansas, there's only mental health professional per people ✓ saw great improvement in youth coverage ✓ Had fewer uninsured adults with mental illness Ways to get help Talk with a doctor connect with other individuals and families Learn more about mental illness Sources: nami.org, mentalhealthamerica.net, "The State of Mental Health in America, 2018"

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