Tag: Myth

Myth:

Only a few people get mental illnesses and they are unusual or odd, so it is obvious who they are.

Fact:

Mental health problems are common and we are often unaware of the person’s diagnosis.

Myth:

People with a diagnosis of mental illness are going to struggle for the rest of their lives.

Fact:

Most people recover from mental illness and go on to live fulfilling lives. Recovery is a unique and personal journey and often the person feels that they experienced personal growth and a new way of being through the process of recovery.

Myth:

People who attempt suicide or self-harm are doing it to get attention and are not really serious.

Fact:

All suicidal thoughts and self-harm, as well as all other forms and expressions of distress, are serious. Dismissing another person’s feelings as attention seeking only makes them withdraw from asking for help and may result in death or serious injury.

Myth:

People who have mental illnesses have brought it upon themselves, or their parents are to blame.

Fact:

Anyone can experience mental illness or experience mental distress regardless of their background or upbringing. Some people are more at risk through circumstances beyond their own control.

Mental health problems are common and can affect anyone.

People with mental health problems do not lose their personality or intelligence, although the symptoms can sometimes change the way a person behaves when they are unwell.

People with mental health problems usually recover – there is a better chance of recovery from mental health problems than from some physical illnesses.

People with mental health problems want to work and to contribute to society, but it is often other people’s attitudes that prevent them from doing so.

Two thirds of employers, when asked, said that they did not feel comfortable employing a person with a mental health problem.

Many people with mental health problems continue to live life to the full, working and enjoying positive relationships and activities.

Sometimes, having a severe and enduring mental illness has a devastating effect on people’s live. With the right treatment and support, the person has a better chance of improvement and recovery.

People with schizophrenia do not have a split personality.

People with severe and enduring mental health problems are not usually dangerous – in fact, they are more likely to be victims of crime.

People with mental health problems are not weak and they do not bring the problems on themselves.

A growing body of evidence suggests that mental health problems cannot be separated from physical health, as the mind and body are closely interrelated.

Sometimes people dismiss others’ mental health problems or distress by judging them as weak. This is no more helpful or appropriate than judging someone for having a physical illness or disability.

Ordinary members of the public can help people experiencing mental health problems and make a real difference to their recovery.