Myth
1 of 6
Mental health problems are rare.
Fact
1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem, which means someone you know may be struggling with mental illness.
Myth
2 of 6
I can’t do anything to support someone with a mental health problem.
Fact
There are lots of things you can do to make a difference to their life:
• Check in
• Listen and don’t judge
• Treat them in the same way
• Ask Twice
Myth
3 of 6
People with mental illness aren’t able to work.
Fact
People with a mental illness can hold down a successful job. We all probably work with someone experiencing a mental health problem.
Myth
4 of 6
You can’t recover from mental health problems.
Fact
They might not go away forever but lots of people with mental health problems still work, have families and lead full lives.
Myth
5 of 6
People with mental illness are usually violent and unpredictable.
Fact
Most people with mental health problems, even those with severe ones like schizophrenia, are not violent. Someone with a mental illness is more likely to be a victim of violence than inflict it.
Myth
6 of 6
Young people just go through ups and downs as part of puberty – it’s nothing.
Fact
1 in 8 young people will experience a mental health problem.
