Tip of the Day: Use Mental Health Month to separate fact from fiction

While the current recession is hitting employees hard financially, it may be taking even a greater toll on their mental health. A 2008 survey from the American Psychological Association found that 80% of Americans say the economy is a significant source of stress. Among those surveyed, 49% said they felt nervous or anxious; 48% reported feeling depressed or sad.

May is Mental Health Month, an opportune time to educate workers about fact vs. fiction of behavioral health issues. Marie Apke, COO at Bensinger, DuPont & Associates, points out four common myths and facts about mental health:

Myth 1: Stress causes mental illness.
Fact: Stress may occasionally trigger an episode or cause symptoms such as anxiety or depression, but persistent symptoms appear to be biological in nature.

Myth 2: There’s no help for people with mental illness.
Fact: There are more treatments, strategies and support than ever before. In fact, 80% of individuals with depression can be treated successfully. Further, the majority of people with behavioral health disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment.

Myth 3: Mental health problems are best treated by a primary care physician or a general practitioner.
Fact: Mental disorders should be taken as seriously as any potentially chronic and disabling medical condition. That is why diagnosable mental disorders are best treated by a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other clinician specially trained to diagnose and treatment mental health problems.

Myth 4: Depression is just a normal part of life; everyone gets depressed when bad things happen.
Fact: Being sad or feeling blue is a normal part of life, and everyone feels this way from time to time. Depression, however, is not normal. Depression interferes with a person’s daily life and there are times they cannot function normally.

Click here for more information and tools about Mental Health Month.