ABSTRACT
The language of mental health itself causes concern as many people's interpretation of the word mental is in relation to illness. When asked what their understanding of mental health is, many individuals, regardless of age, respond by naming mental health disorders such as depression or schizophrenia. Everyone has mental health and the fact that it does not get talked about contributes to the stigma and discrimination. It is interesting to note that psychosis is more common than diabetes, however, while most of us know a person with diabetes. The only explanation for this is that within society it is perfectly acceptable to disclose a condition such as diabetes along with many other physical health conditions, while it does not sit comfortably with people when someone shares that they experience panic attacks or extreme anxiety. Some important key messages for children in Year 3 are that recovery from mental illness is not possible.
