Understanding mental illness, mental health, and co-occurring disorders—where mental health issues and substance use coexist—helps communities address stigma and discrimination. Early detection and treatment significantly enhance recovery chances. Keep reading to debunk common myths about mental illness.
STOP STIGMAMental illness is a common health condition. Roughly 1 in every 5 adults and 1 in 6 children will experience a diagnosable mental health condition during their lifetime. In Sacramento County, more than 300,000 people live with mental illness. 1,2
Mental illness causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception, mood and/or behavior. These disturbances can affect a person's ability to cope with life's demands and routines. However, with education, support and treatment, people can—and do—recover and live fulfilling lives.
Two-thirds of people with a diagnosable mental illness never seek professional help. This is due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to: lack of awareness or knowledge to identify features of mental illness, lack of awareness about symptoms of mental illness and about how to access health and behavioral health services, discrimination, and self-stigma.3,4
Mental illness is rarely the cause of violence. While the media often portrays those with mental health conditions as violent, only 5% of violent crimes in the United State are committed by people with a mental illness. In fact, individuals living with a mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. 5
Mental illness can have an impact on physical health as well as mental health. For instance, people with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population. Seeking treatment is important in promoting overall health. 6
Co-occurring disorders involve the coexistence of a mental health condition and a substance use disorder (SUD), with approximately 21.5 million adults in the U.S. affected, according to SAMHSA's 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 7
Characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that is difficult to control and negatively and substantially impacts daily functioning.
LEARN MOREDefined by a persistent pattern of inattention (for example, difficulty keeping focus) and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity (for example, difficulty controlling behavior, excessive and inappropriate motor activity).
LEARN MORECharacterized by atypical, dramatic swings in mood, and activity levels that go from periods of feeling intensely happy, irritable, and impulsive to periods of intense sadness and feelings of hopelessness.
LEARN MORECharacterized by difficulties regulating emotion. People living with BPD feel emotions intensely and for extended periods of time, and it is harder for them to return to a stable baseline after an emotionally triggering event.
LEARN MOREDepression can present different symptoms depending on the person, but is often characterized by physical and mental changes that significantly interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include: hopelessness or guilty thoughts, loss of energy, changes in sleep, changes in appetite, lack of interest in activities and physical aches and pains.
LEARN MORECharacterized by an involuntary escape from reality characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness and memory.
LEARN MOREDescribes illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape.
LEARN MOREDefined by the presence of persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are intrusive and unwanted (obsessions), or repetitive and ritualistic behaviors that a person feels are necessary in order to control obsessions (compulsions).
LEARN MORECharacterized as the development of debilitating symptoms following exposure to a traumatic or dangerous event. These can include re-experiencing symptoms from an event, such as flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance symptoms, changing a personal routine to escape having to be reminded of an event, or being easily startled/tense that makes daily tasks nearly impossible to complete.
LEARN MORECharacterized as disruptions to a person’s thoughts and perceptions that make it difficult for them to recognize what is real and what isn’t. These disruptions are often experienced as seeing, hearing and believing things that aren’t real or having strange, persistent thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
LEARN MORECharacterized by persistent symptoms of psychosis resembling schizophrenia with additional periodic symptoms of mood disorders, such as mania and depression.
LEARN MOREA brain disorder that impacts the way a person thinks (often described as a “thought disorder”), feels and acts. It is characterized by a range of mental, behavioral, and emotional experiences that can include: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior.
LEARN MOREIf a loved one seems to be struggling with their mental health, let them know you care and encourage open dialogue. Create a safe, judgment-free space for them to share by using these conversation starters:
Hey, it seems like you’ve got a lot on your mind lately. How are you?
I just wanted to say that I am here if you want to talk about anything – Can we get together this week?
I noticed you have missed a few days of school, and I just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing.
I haven’t seen you in a while! How have you been?
I know life can feel like a lot sometimes, but if you need someone to talk to, I want you to know I am here.
You’ve seemed a little down lately and I wanted to see how you are doing.
I just want you to know I am here for you if you ever need to talk. You’re my friend and I won’t judge you.
I know things have been hard lately; let me know if you want to talk about it. I’m here for you.
Learn more about services and support available in Sacramento County.
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