Resources

What is
Mental
Mental
Health? www.mentalhealth.gov
Health
US Department of Health &
Mental health Human Services
includes our
emotional,
psychological, and

social well-being.
It affects how we www.nimh.nih.gov
think, feel, and act. It
also helps determine National Institute of Mental
how we handle stress, Health
relate to others, and
make choices.
Mental health is
important at every
stage of life, from www.nami.com
childhood and
National Alliance on Mental
adolescence through
Illness
adulthood. Rather than the absence
of mental illness,
mental health refers to
the presence of positive
characteristics.

Mental Health Myths
MYTH: Mental health doesnt affect me.
Mental health problems are very common.
o 1 in 5 Americans experience a mental
health issue.
o 1 in 10 young people experience a period
of major depression.
o 1 in 25 Americans will live with a serious
mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, major depression)
MYTH: People with mental health problems are
violent and unpredictable.
Only 3-5% of violent acts can be attributable
to people living with a mental illness.
Mentally Healthy:
What Does It Mean?
The way you feel about
yourself
The quality of your
relationships
Your ability to manage your
feelings and deal with
difficulties.
Improve Your
Mental Health
Connect face-to-face with
MYTH: People with mental health problems can supportive people
snap out of it if they try hard enough. Get moving in fun ways - as
much and as often as you
Mental health problems have nothing to do
with being lazy or weak. are able
Explore a variety of
o Biological factors: genes, physical illness,
techniques for managing
injury, brain chemistry
stress
o Life experiences: trauma, history of abuse
Choose a diet rich in omega-
o Family history of mental health problems 3 fats to support mental
health
MYTH: Children dont have mental health Get enough quality sleep - 7
problems. to 9 hours a night
50% of all mental health disorders show Invest in activities that give
signs before individual turns 14 years old. your life meaning and
75% of all mental disorders begin before 24 purpose
years old.