Myths & Facts about Mental Illness

Mental illnesses are very common - they affect over 57 million Americans. Yet, they are also widely misunderstood. People with mental illnesses are frequently stigmatized by others who think it's an uncommon condition or who believe many of the common myths.

Get to know the facts about mental illnesses and then use your knowledge to educate others. Understanding and support are powerful, and they can make a real difference in the life of a person who needs them.

Myth: Mental illness is not a true medical illness like heart disease and diabetes. People who have a mental illness are just "crazy."

Fact: Mental illness is a physiological illness, like heart disease and diabetes. Research shows there are genetic and biological causes for mental health illnesses, and that they can be treated effectively.

Myth: People with a severe mental illness, who may look or act different, are usually dangerous and violent.

Fact: Individuals with mental illness are no more prone to violence than the general public. In fact, they are more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.

Myth: Mental illnesses do not strike the "average" person.

Anyone can potentially develop a mental illness, regardless of age, race, intellect, gender, religion or economic status.

Myth: Mental illness is the result of bad parenting.

Fact: Most experts agree that a genetic susceptibility, combined with other risk factors, leads to a psychiatric disorder. In other words, mental illnesses have a physical cause.

Myth: Mental illness is a result from a personality weakness or character flaw, and people could just snap out of it if they tried hard enough.

Fact: Mental illness has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function. Medication and psychotherapy often help people to recover.

Myth: Schizophrenia means split personality, and there is no way to control it.

Fact: Schizophrenia is often confused with multiple personality disorder. Actually, schizophrenia is a brain disorder that robs people of their ability to think clearly and logically. The estimated 2.5 million Americans with schizophrenia have symptoms ranging from social withdrawal to hallucinations and delusions. Medication has helped many of these individuals to lead fulfilling, productive lives.

Myth: Depression is a normal part of the aging process.

Fact: It is not normal for older adults to be depressed. Signs of depression in older people include loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances and lethargy. Since depression in the elderly is often undiagnosed, it is important for seniors and their family members to recognize the problem and seek professional help.

Myth: Depression and other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, do not affect children or adolescents. Any problems they have are just a part of growing up.

Fact: Children and adolescents can develop mental illnesses. In the United States, one in ten children and adolescents has a mental disorder severe enough to cause impairment. However, only about 20 percent of these children receive needed treatment.

Myth: Most people with a mental illness are receiving treatment.

Fact: Only 1 in 5 persons affected wiht a mental illness seeks treatment.

Myth: If you have a mental illness, you can will it away. Being treated for a psychiatric disorder means an individual has in some way "failed" or is weak.

Fact: A serious mental illness cannot be willed away. Ignoring the problem does not make it go away, either. It takes courage to seek professional help.

Myth: Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a lack of willpower. People with a substance abuse problem are morally weak or "bad".

Fact: Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry. It has nothing to do with being a "bad" person or making a lifestyle choice.

Myth: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is painful and barbaric.

Fact: ECT has given a new lease on life to many people who suffer from severe and debilitating depression. It is used when other treatments such as psychotherapy or medication fail or cannot be used. Patients who receive ECT are asleep and under anesthesia, so they do not feel anything.