As Halloween approaches, we are bombarded with myths about ghosts, goblins, and ghouls. Myths about behavioral health disorders are around all year long.

Some impending Halloween celebrations that include "haunted asylum" events and "mental patient" costumes, however, serve to propagate some of the biggest myths of all regarding mental illness. We're here to do some myth-busting! 

Myth: People who have a behavioral health disorder are more likely to be dangerous or violent. 

Fact: The truth is that the vast majority of people with these disorders are not violent. Many studies have found little or no difference between rates of violence among people with mental illness as compared to others. It's also a fact that individuals with behavioral health disorders are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.

Myth: People who have behavioral health disorders are rare.

Fact: Sadly, mental illness is not that uncommon.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that 4 million children and adolescents have a serious behavioral health disorder that causes "significant impairments at home, school and with peers."

This myth may derive from a lack of understanding of what constitutes a behavioral health disorder, and of course, it's perpetuated by the shame and stigma associated with mental illness. The topic of behavioral health is rarely broached in everyday conversation, except when brought up by the national media after a tragedy has occurred, and very little education is provided in schools.

The first step to busting this myth is more proactive, productive conversation about behavioral health and the steps our community can take to help those in need.

Myth: People don't recover from behavioral health disorders.

Fact: It's important to note that a change in the concept of what constitutes recovery has taken place over time and that it continues to evolve. Recovery in the context of behavioral health disorders is considered a journey, unique to every individual and possible for all!

In 2011, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released a list of the 10 fundamental components of recovery: Hope, Person-driven, Many Pathways, Holistic, Peer Support, Relational, Culture, Addresses Trauma, Strengths and Responsibility, and Respect.

One of Arundel Lodge's fantastic volunteers, Barbara Cantor, responded to last month's newsletter article that mentioned the benefits of volunteering for your health and well-being. Barbara wrote:

Volunteer Barbara Cantor

The articles in the September newsletter about volunteering and depression were so on point for me. I have been depressed off and on for years, even in college and I have often found solace in volunteering.

[My depression] climaxed when, after 52 years of marriage, my husband died following an agonizing, long-term illness whose cause we never found. Recently, I experienced devastation again when my close friend was put on suicide watch. I have guilty feelings that I did not realize how very low she was getting...People do not realize, however, that depression can come on even when there is nothing wrong, that it is an illness.

I have volunteered all my life (co-op nursery schools, PTA, political campaigns, charities, various local and international boards) and I agree that giving as a volunteer can relieve loneliness, boredom, and even depression. Now, I volunteer for Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating, World Artist Experiences, and I'm also on the board of the Senior Center. Regrettably, I did not know about Arundel Lodge sooner, but now happily volunteer at the Open Eye Gallery at Arundel Lodge.  

I like working with and being with people, so over the years [volunteering] has kept me from eating or drinking away my sadness. How much better the world would be if more people gave up their soap operas, one golf day, or shopping and volunteered somewhere.

To learn more about the causes of depression and misconceptions about the illness, take a look at this online quiz.

Tanya St. John

Here is some of the praise her co-workers shared for Tanya:

"She has changed the face of ALI and works tirelessly.  She's a great example of the wonderful people who are Arundel Lodge."

"Tanya has done a lot for Arundel Lodge, including raising money! She does a great job with the newsletter, has high energy, team spirit galore, and is a super nice person!"

"Tanya organized our first fundraiser in a long time! We still need to work out a few kinks, but with a team effort, she can do it."

Congratulations, Tanya!