Mental health myths and facts

Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning sings of mental health concerns. Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before 24 years old.

Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3% – 5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.

Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. They can get better and many recover completely.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely.

Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems.