(information Provided From The U.s. Department Of Health And Human Services) social factors.

1. Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me.

Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about:

• One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue

• One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression

• One in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression

**********************************

2. Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population. You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.

**********************************

4. Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.

Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

When employees with mental health problems receive effective treatment, it can result in:

• Lower total medical costs

• Increased productivity

• Lower absenteeism

• Decreased disabilitycosts **********************************

5. Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental health problems. People with mental health problems can snap out of it if they try hard enough.

Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

• Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry

• Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse

• Family history of mental health problems

***********************************

6. Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems. Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems, he or she will never recover.

Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and they work.

**********************************

7. Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and recovery process.

**********************************

8. Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health problem.

Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment. Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they need by:

Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help

Helping them access mental health services

Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't true

Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else

Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"

**********************************

9. Myth: Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental illnesses.

Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health problems. Promoting the social-emotional well-being of children and youth leads to:

• Higher overall productivity

• Better educational outcomes

• Lower crime rates

• Stronger economies

• Lower health care costs

• Improved quality of life

• Increased lifespan

• Improved family life

Community Conversations about Mental Health Make a Difference

Mental health challenges affect nearly every family, yet conversations about mental health are difficult. While having open and honest conversations about mental health may be difficult, the Strengthening Our Community (SOC) committee is encouraging community conversations in order to reduce misconceptions, misrepresentations, fear, discomfort, isolation, and discrimination.

On May 6 Mayor Hosek proclaimed May 9 SOC Day in Wagner and there was overwhelming community support in their display of silly socks. Community members were also caught “SOC-ing” their family, friends, and co-workers. To “SOC” someone is the positive act of sharing a pair of silly socks or suicide awareness socks with someone to show you care about their mental wellness and overall well-being. It is also a gesture of gratitude for someone expressed to someone who has shown care about mental wellness and well-being. These are the first steps in a growing awarenessand discussion of our community’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Wagner’s SOC committee was the feature story on Keloland evening news (5/12/2019). Mental health challenges can result from being a new mother, agriculture stress, trauma, as well as other sources, and have the potential to affect anyone. Having support improves the overall health of our community. Wagner is a community on the move.

When communities commit to talking about mental health it opens the door for discussions about how to improve the mental health of its families and schools. This could include prevention strategies, awareness strategies, early identification, treatment options, crisis response, and recovery supports.

The SOC committee will continue to facilitate community conversations that support mental health and overall well-being. If you are interested in getting involved contact Ericka Kotab or Jaycie Culbert at 384-5426, Amy Doom at 384-9908, or Connie Kaufman at 384-3418.