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