Historically, mental health has not been taken as seriously as physical afflictions. Fortunately, that is slowly changing. The federal government has passed laws to require insurance companies to treat mental and physical health coverage more equally. But there is still a long way to go. And as a provider of mental health services in Minneapolis, River Ridge is lending a hand to help clear up the many misconceptions about mental health.
We’ve compiled the following list of myths and facts about mental health.
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Mental health problems are just ‘in your head’ and you can snap out of it.
MYTH: One of the most prevalent myths about mental health is the one that suggests poor mental health is indicative of some type of character flaw.
FACT: Mental health issues have to do with body chemistry including genetics, family history, brain chemistry and life experiences.
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People with mental health problems can’t be productive employees.
MYTH: Many employers shy away from any mental health problems, believing that any mental health issue prevents someone from doing a good job.
FACT: Employees with mental health issues are just as productive. Mentalhealth.gov reports that employers said employees with mental health issues performed just as well or better than employees without mental health problems.
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Mental health problems are not common.
MYTH: There’s a tendency for those of us who are not affected by mental health problems to believe that they don’t exist, or they’re not serious.
FACT: According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), suicide caused the 10th most deaths in 2013 in the United States.
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Pills are the only way to deal with mental health problems.
MYTH: Some people may shy away from seeking help because they mistakenly believe they’ll be forced to take a personality-altering medication.
FACT: There are a huge number of mental health services in Minneapolis and elsewhere that provide alternatives to prescription medication. Cognitive-based therapy, family therapy, and more have been helpful for all kinds of mental health problems.
River Ridge provides mental health services in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas. We provide individual and family counseling, programs for men and women, and a wide range of mental health services. Our sole purpose is to help you get your mental health under control. So don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions at (925)894-7722. You can also visit the rest of our website to learn more about our process and the programs we offer.
