PROJECT AFFIRMATIONS
Video introducing Project Affirmations for High School 101 classes
High School 101
Guidelines for Making Cards
Please do not use your full name. If you want to sign the card, use your
first name only or something else such as "someone who cares"
If you'd like, address the card recipient as "friend" instead of "patient"
No profane or inappropriate content please
Please check for spelling and grammar.
Use lots of colors! Keep it positive and uplifting
Mental Health Myths
Myths about mental health and mental illness are often more widespread
than the actual truth. Click on the yellow boxes to learn the facts behind each myth.
For more information, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness or MentalHealth.gov
MYTH
Mental illness is
"all in your head"
FACT
Physical symptoms of mental illnesses include difficulty concentrating, shaking or inability to stay still, changes in sleep or appetite, fatigue, stomach aches, and other "aches and pains" without a known cause.
[Source: nami.org]
MYTH
Children can't have a mental illness
FACT
50% of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% begin by age 24. Furthermore, the average time between the onset of symptoms and treatment for a mental illness is 8-10 years.
[Source: mentalhealth.gov]
MYTH
Suicide is not a real issue for youth
FACT
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24, and the 10th leading cause of death in all age groups. Over 41,000 lives are lost to suicide each year -twice the number of homicides in America.
[Source: mentalhealth.gov]
MYTH
Mental illness
doesn't affect me
FACT
Mental illnesses affect 1 in 5 people in the US. 18.5% of adults, and 21.4% of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental illness. Even if you personally do not have a mental health condition, chances are you already know someone who does.
Outside Resources
In crisis? Take the first steps toward getting help at the following links.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255