Mental illnesses are common, yet often widely misunderstood. With one in five people living with a mental illness, we all likely know someone who has experienced a mental health condition at some point. However, there are still many myths and hurtful attitudes surrounding mental illnesses that fuel stigma and discrimination and make it harder for individuals to reach out for help.
The truth is that mental illness can happen to anybody. Like other health conditions, it impacts every ethnic, racial, cultural, economic and religious group, including individuals of all ages and genders. The best way to stop the stigma is to learn as much as you can about it and dispel some of the common myths about mental illness. Arm yourself with the facts, then use your knowledge to educate others and support those living with mental illness.