2 Don’t let mental health myths hold you back Millions of people are affected by a mental illness, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. If you’re among them, it’s important to remember you’re not alone. More than one in five U.S. adults are living with a mental illness. As common as mental disorders are, misinformation continues to spread that might prevent you or a loved one from seeking the treatment needed to feel better. Do any of these common myths sound familiar? Myth: A mental health disorder isn’t like a regular illness. You could just snap out of it if you tried. Fact: Like a physical illness, such as diabetes or heart disease, a mental health disorder requires treatment. It’s important to see your provider. Mental health treatment can include: • Taking medication • Talking with a mental health professional • Getting support — whether from friends, family, or others with the same condition Each can be an important tool in the recovery process. Myth: Mental health disorders just affect how you feel. They don’t impact your overall health. Fact: Mental health disorders can affect your physical health. People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing heart disease than people without depression. Depression also increases your risk of diabetes and stroke. Preventing physical illness is another reason to seek mental health help. Myth: Symptoms must be extreme to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Fact: Symptoms of a mental health disorder don’t have to be lifethreatening. They can just be something you notice on a regular basis. Symptoms include: • Changes in your sleeping habits • Feeling tired or having low energy • Feeling excessively sad or low • Experiencing excessive worry or fear • Avoiding friends and social activities • Having trouble concentrating or learning Mental health disorders can affect your everyday activities by zapping your energy and keeping you from doing the things you enjoy. Don’t let a mental health disorder derail your quality of life. Seek treatment by seeing your provider. Don’t wait to get help — go to www.phs.org/getcare to schedule mental health services through Video Visits and in-person visits. You can also call the number on the back of your member ID card. If you are or if a loved one is having an emergency or experiencing any kind of emotional crisis, mental health issue, or substance use concern, you can find help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please do one of these things to get immediate help: • Call the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-662-7474 (1-855-NMCRISIS), call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7) at 988 or 1-800-273-8255, or chat online at www.988lifeline.org/chat. • Go to the nearest emergency facility. • Call 911. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Alliance on Mental Illness
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