Fact: Training Module on the Right to Mental Health in the Academe Mental illness is a multifactorial disease. There are factors that 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 Myth: Poor mental health is not a big deal in teenagers. They just have mood swings caused by hormonal fluctuations and a desire for attention. Fact: Fourteen percent of the world’s adolescents experience mental ill-health. Globally, among those aged 10-15, self-harm is the fifth leading cause of death. Half of all mental health conditions start at the age of 14 (WHO). Myth: There is no way to prevent mental health problems. Fact: Several factors can protect people from developing mental health conditions, including development of social and emotional skills, supportive family relationships, and a nurturing school environment. Promoting the social and emotional well-being of the youth results in better educational outcomes and improved quality of life. Myth: People with mental illness never get well. Fact: Many people with a mental illness eventually recover and go on to lead productive lives. Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are treatment options that can be utilized. Myth: Only poor people can develop mental illness. Fact: Socioeconomic status is not necessarily a factor in the development of mental illness. However, because of stigma, people with mental illnesses often end up in lower socioeconomic classes. It is important to educate the youth, especially those in school, about mental illness and correct their misconceptions. Their attitudes and knowledge about mental illness should be ascertained at an early age. Students should be taught to carefully analyze the gamut of information they receive on a daily basis about mental illness, especially with the advent of social media. Through this, students may learn to be understanding and empathic, leading to compassion for persons with mental illness. In addition, the onset of mental illness usually occurs during adolescence and young adulthood; thus it is important to recognize symptoms associated with these disorders. 9