Dr. Stan Kutcher and Dr. Sonia Chehil © Dalhousie University, March 2007
> The Stigma of Mental Illness
MENTAL HEALTH & HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Myths and Realities of Mental Illness
Myths and Realities of Mental Illness: addressing Stigma
• These slides identify many of the common myths about mental illnesses and provide the correct information to dispel these myths
• Myths about mental illnesses contribute to the stigma about mental illnesses
• Learn and remember these “myth busters’ so that you can help decrease the stigma
Causes of mental illness?
People with a mental illness?
Treatments of mental illness?
Your beliefs inform the way you act
So, what are your beliefs about
People with mental disorders are usually violent
People with mental disorders are too incompetent to make decisions for
themselves.
People with mental disorders do not have feelings.
People with mental disorders are not worthy human beings.
People with mental disorders do not deserve the same social and civil rights as those held
by others
REALITY
Most people with mental disorders
live productive and positive lives
while receiving treatments for their mental illness
Some people have severe and persistent mental disorders which
respond poorly to current treatments
(similar to all other illnesses)
REALITY
Mental illness does not respect any
boundaries of race, class or geography
The majority of people have a
friend, acquaintance or family member who has or has had a mental
disorder
Mental illness is caused by the possession
of demons or evil spirits
Mental illness is caused by a curse bestowed on the individual either by a
spiritual force or someone who possesses evil powers
Mental illness is afflicted on those who must atone for past sins
Mental illness reflects Karmic judgment or payback for evil deeds committed in past
lives
Mental disorder is a consequence of bad mothering or poor family environment
Mental disorder is caused by the stresses of everyday life
REALITY
The symptoms of mental illness are a result of abnormal brain
functioning
Mental illness is a brain disorder
Mental illness is rarely if ever caused by stress alone
Treatments are not usually effective
People who are mentally ill will not get better
Mental illnesses are too difficult to treat
Psychiatric medications are addictive
Vitamins and rest are effective treatments
for mental disorders.
REALITY
There are many effective treatments for most mental disorders
Most people with mental illnesses get better
– many recover and stay well
Mental illnesses are not more difficult to treat
than other sicknesses
REALITY
Psychiatric medications used properly are not addictive
Effective treatments are determined by scientific evidence
Diet and exercise are important for health but are not treatments for mental
disorders