The Truth About Stigma…
There are often misconceptions about mental health and seeking help.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
FALSE
People with mental illness can’t handle work or school.
TRUE
This is not the case. Lots of individuals with a mental illness are very successful in both work and school.
TRUE
Depression is an illness that physically affects the brain. It is something that someone can’t just will to get rid of just as you wouldn’t expect someone with the flu to just snap out of having the flu.
FALSE
Depression is a character flaw and people with depression should just “snap out of it.”
TRUE
Although it can be seen that mental illness affects the brain, this does not mean that the individual has a disability or brain damage.
FALSE
Mental illness is a form of intellectual disability or brain damage.
FALSE
Mental illness is caused by personal weakness.
TRUE
This is just not the case, there are environmental and genetic components to mental illness, but these causes do not include personal weakness.
TRUE
While mental illness can be an ongoing battle, everyone can be helped. There are a wide range of treatments for a variety of mental disorders that can help a person feel better, get better, and even eventually no longer need treatment.
FALSE
You can never get better from a mental illness.
TRUE
This is a stereotype. There are some mental illnesses that can lead to violence, but individuals with a mental illness are much more likely to be the victim of violence than the perpetrator.
FALSE
People with mental illness are violence and dangerous.
TRUE
Addiction is in part caused by a chemical dependency in the brain and has nothing to do with lifestyle choices or a lack of willpower.
FALSE
Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a lack of willpower.
TRUE
Mental health conditions can be just as debilitating as a physical health condition.
FALSE
Physical health conditions are worse than mental health conditions.
TRUE
Everyone under the right circumstances can be helped.
FALSE
You can’t help someone with a mental illness.
How to End Stigma.
Educate.
Educate yourself and others.
The more you know about mental illness, the more you’ll understand.
Talk.
Talk openly about mental health.
In the past it has been taboo to talk about mental illness. Be the change and talk about it.
See.
See the person, not the condition.
Individuals with mental illness are people too.
Support.
Show compassion and be supportive.
Everyone struggles with something, be understanding of that.
Act.
Take action. Make a difference.
Everyone has an impact.