MENTAL HEALTH MYTHS AND FACTS

There are many different myths about mental health illness and they often contribute to the stigma that many people still face. 

It’s so important that we challenge these myths so we can understand the real facts around a mental illness.

Myth: You cannot recover from mental health illness. It is permanent 

Fact: You can recover from mental health illness. Those that might not go away forever can be managed. but lots of people with mental health problems still work, have families, and lead full lives.

Myth: Mental health problems are so rare in Kenya.

Fact:  mental health illness is not rare in Kenya. Someone you know may be struggling with mental illness.

Myth: cannot do anything to support someone with a mental health illness.

Fact: There are lots of things you can do to make a difference in their life like Checking in on them, Listening and not judging them, treating them in the same way, encouraging them to seek help.

Myth: People with mental health illnesses cannot 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: People with mental illness are usually violent and unpredictable.

Fact: Most people with mental health problems are not violent. Someone with a mental illness is more likely to be a victim of violence than inflict it.

Myth: Young people just go through ups and downs as part of puberty – it’s nothing.

Fact: Young people do actually experience mental health problems.