Core Principle #4

Having a mental illness is NOT a sign of weakness; it affects millions of people.

• • • Sadly, the negative idea (stigma) exists in our society that mental health issues are somehow a sign of weakness.

    • When someone gets bronchitis or pneumonia, we don’t blame them for it because getting sick doesn’t make them weak.

    • It’s the same for mental illness. If brain chemicals are mixed up or neurons aren't communicating properly, the mentally ill person is no more at fault than a person who catches a cold.

    • Approximately 1 in 5 Americans (20%) experience a mental illness in any given year. That's about 46 million people.

    • However, the perception of mental illness as weakness can make it hard to accept the problem and to seek help.

    • Don't be that person. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety that are severe or don't go away in a brief period of time, talk to a trusted adult or to a counselor.