Page 8 - Staying Well and Feeling Good - Q4 2021

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Myth: Mental illness is a sign of weakness. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.
Fact: Mental illness is not caused by personal weakness or laziness, nor can it be cured
by positive thinking or willpower. Mental illnesses create distress, don’t go away on their own, and are real health problems. Proper treatment is needed to get better.
Myth: Mental illness isn’t real.
Fact: No one would choose to have a mental illness, just as no one would choose to have a physical illness. The causes for mental health conditions are intensively studied and they are real. For anyone living with a mental health condition, their specific symptoms may not always be visible to an untrained observer. It can be challenging to relate to what people with mental health conditions are going through, but that doesn’t mean that their condition isn’t real.
Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
Fact: Most people with mental illness are not violent. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don’t even realize it because so many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Take Action
Now that you know the facts, there’s no
need to suffer in silence or be ashamed. It’s important to talk about mental health to remove the stigma and even more important to take care of your mental health as part of your overall health.
Get help now
You’re not alone — none of us are perfect. We all experience moments of mental health distress. The important thing is getting help when you need it.
If you continue to experience distress, it’s important to recognize that you may need professional help. Therapy, and in some cases medication, may help treat your condition. If you don’t know where to start, contact your primary care provider.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, Healthy Minds Philly has compiled a list of resources to help you connect with professional, peer, social, and community support. Check it out because your mental health matters! Spread the word.
Addressing Mental Health Disparities
As the region’s largest health insurance organization, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is committed to addressing health disparities and the social determinants of health that impact minority communities. Here are some of things we’re doing across the community to fight health disparities:
• Know Your Mind. Independence launched a new mental health public awareness campaign to educate the community about symptoms of depression and anxiety, and how to help themselves and others during these emotionally challenging times. The campaign includes a special focus on the millennial generation (ages 25-40), one-third of whom have a behavioral health condition.
• The Well City Challenge. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and Independence launched the Well City Challenge to address Philadelphia’s millennial health and mental
health challenges.