Better Health: Mental Health

Mental illnesses and disorders are disabilities

• True

• False

Answer explanation

While not all sufferers refer to themselves as disabled or their condition as a disability

(because disability is fluid and your labels are your choice!),

mental illnesses and disorders can be considered disabilities because they consistently and significantly affect an individual's ability to function and interact with the world.

Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can "snap out of it" if they try hard enough.

• Myth

• Fact

Answer explanation

Mental health is not a sign of laziness or weakness. Biological factors and life experiences can contribute to mental health conditions. However, people with mental health conditions can recover with help and support.

Mental health problems are always unavoidable.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

There are many protective factors against developing mental health problems. These include having healthy support networks, good physical health and diet, and a healthy sleep pattern. However, mental illness can still develop despite these factors and are NEVER the sufferer's fault or doing

1. Having what is considered 'a good life' means you can't develop mental illness.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Mental illness develops due to a combination of complex factors, including social, psychological, and biological factors. Mental illness can impact anyone, regardless of how comfortable their life is perceived to be.

I can't help people with mental illness.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

You can support someone with a mental illness by letting them know you are available to be there for them, by directing them to mental health services (and looking out for them while doing so- this can be tough!), and by advocating for them by learning the facts about mental illness.

1. People with mental health problems cannot work.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Although mental illness can impact one's ability to attend and complete work, with the right workplace support, people with mental health conditions can be as productive and successful as people without them.

Therapy isn't necessary if you have friends to talk to.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

It's important to have a good support network, and talking about your feelings with friends can be helpful, but this won't necessarily replace having a therapist. Therapists have the training to provide structured sessions and professional mental health care.

Mental health issues can't affect me.

• Myth

• Fact

Answer explanation

It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Anxiety is the most common mental disorder in Australia.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Anxiety was the most common mental disorder reported by people who had experienced mental illness in the 12 months prior to the 2021 census (Source: ABS, 2021)

You can access free therapy through Uni.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.