COMMON MYTHS ABOUT
MENTAL HEALTH
Brief Introduction
Myths vs Facts
AGENDA
How to Help
Yourself & Others
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS MENTAL
HEALTH & WHY IS
IT IMPORTANT?
• Our emotional, psychological, and social
well-being
• Affects how we think, feel, and act
• Determines how we handle stress,
relate to others, and make choices
• Mental health problems effect your
thinking, mood, and behaviour
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING
TO MENTAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS
• Biological factors, such as genes or brain
chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
MYTHS VS FACTS
MYTH #1:
Mental health
problems are
uncommon
MYTH #2:
Mental
illnesses
aren’t real
illnesses
MYTH #3:
Mental health
problems are
a sign of
weakness
MYTH #4: All
people with a
mental illness
are violent /
dangerous
MYTH #5: Mental
illnesses are just
an excuse for
bad behaviour
MYTH #6:
Kids can’t
have a mental
illness, like
depression
MYTH #7:
Mental health
problems are
permanent
HOW TO HELP
YOURSELF &
OTHERS
How to Look After
Your Mental Health
1.
Talk about your feelings
2.
Keep active
3.
Eat well
4.
Keep in touch
5.
Ask for help
6.
Take a break
7.
Do something you’re good at
8.
Accept who you are
9.
Care for others
How to Support
Someone With a Mental
Health Problem
1.
Set time aside with no distractions
2.
Let them share as much or as little
as they want to
3.
Don’t try to diagnose or second
guess their feelings
4.
Keep questions open ended
5.
Talk about wellbeing
6.
Listen carefully to what they tell
you
7.
Offer them help in seeking
professional support and provide
information on ways to do this
8.
Know your limits
CONCLUSION