Health Plan of San Joaquin | Focus Your Health | Spring 2020

Care is a simple four-letter word, but a powerful one. It’s a feeling. It’s an action. People feel loved when someone cares. One in 5 adults in the U.S. goes through a mental health illness during their lifetime. Let’s take a look at some myths and realities about mental health: Myth: Mental health problems are a sign of weakness. Reality: It is not your fault if you’re going through a crisis or feeling sad. Many things play a role in anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other issues. Myth: Children never experience mental health problems. Reality: Children are people too, and they can have diffi- cult times. For example, half of people with mental health illnesses show their first warning signs before age 14. We must come together and show young people healing is possible. This can start with us, the adults, by getting help. Myth: Therapy is a waste of time. Reality: Your feelings deserve respect, but some people may not be ready to ask for help. They might be embarrassed or ashamed. Therapy can help. You deserve a safe space to talk about your thoughts. Myth: People with a mental health issue are violent. Reality: Most people with mental health problems are not violent. In fact, only between 3% and 5% of violent acts are committed by people with severe mental illnesses. Myth: There’s not much you can do for people with mental health problems. Reality: You can make a differ- ence in someone’s life. If some- one you know is having a hard time, reach out. If you are able, let them know you are there to listen and support them. If you feel ready to seek help, that’s good. As an HPSJ member, you can call Beacon at 888.581.7526 (TTY/TDD: 711 ) to get connected with a therapist. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; MentalHealth.gov; National Alliance on Mental Illness Take care May is Mental Health Awareness Month Spring 2020 Focus Your Health Standard U.S. Postage PAID Merced, CA Permit No. 1186