Myths About Mental Illness

Mental illnesses affect everyone in some way. We all likely know someone who has
experienced a mental illness at some point. Yet there are still many hurtful attitudes around
mental illnesses that fuel stigma and discrimination and make it harder to reach out for help.
It’s time to look at the facts.

Ten Common Myths

Here are ten common myths about mental illnesses.

Myth #1: Mental illnesses aren’t real illnesses.

Fact: The words we use to describe mental illnesses have changed greatly over time. What
hasn’t changed is the fact that mental illnesses are not the regular ups and downs of life.
Mental illnesses create distress, don’t go away on their own, and are real health problems
with effective treatments. When someone breaks their arm, we wouldn’t expect them to just
“get over it.” Nor would we blame them if they needed a cast, sling, or other help in their
daily life while they recovered.

Myth #2: Mental illnesses will never affect me.

Fact: All of us will be affected by mental illnesses. Researchers estimate that as many as
one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness in any given year.
You may not experience a mental illness yourself, but it’s very likely that a family member,
friend, or co-worker will experience challenges.

Myth #3: Mental illnesses are just an excuse for poor behaviour.
Fact: It’s true that some people who experience mental illnesses may act in ways that are
unexpected or seem strange to others. We need to remember that the illness, not the
person, is behind these behaviours. No one chooses to experience a mental illness. People
who experience a change in their behaviour due to a mental illness may feel extremely
embarrassed or ashamed around others. It’s also true that people with a history of a mental
illness are like anyone else: they may make poor choices or do something unexpected for
reasons unrelated to symptoms of their illness.

Myth #4: Bad parenting causes mental illnesses.

Fact: No one factor can cause mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are complicated conditions
that arise from a combination of genetics, biology, environment, and life experiences.
Family members and loved ones do have a big role in support and recovery.

Myth #5: People with mental illnesses are violent and dangerous.
Fact: Some people try to predict violence so they know what to avoid. However, the causes
of violence are complicated. Researchers agree that mental illnesses are not a good
predictor of violence. In fact, if we look at mental illnesses on their own, people who
experience a mental illness are no more violent than people without a mental
illness.Excluding people from communities is linked to violence. And people with mental
illnesses are often among those who are excluded. It’s also important to note that people
who experience mental illnesses are much more likely to be victims of violence than to be
violent.

Myth #6: People don’t recover from mental illnesses.

Fact: People can and do recover from mental illnesses. Today, there are many different
kinds of treatments, services, and supports that can help. No one should expect to feel
unwell forever. The fact is, people who experience mental illnesses can and do lead
productive, engaged lives. They work, volunteer, or contribute their unique skills and
abilities to their communities. Even when people experience mental illnesses that last for a
long time, they can learn how to manage their symptoms so they can get back to their
goals. If someone continues to experience many challenges, it may be a sign that different
approaches or supports are needed.

Myth #7: People who experience mental illnesses are weak and
can’t handle stress.
Fact: Stress impacts well-being, but this is true for everyone. People who experience
mental illnesses may actually be better at managing stress than people who haven’t
experienced mental illnesses. Many people who experience mental illnesses learn skills like
stress management and problem-solving so they can take care of stress before it affects
their well-being. Taking care of yourself and asking for help when you need it are signs of
strength, not weakness.

Myth #8: People who experience mental illnesses can’t work.

Fact: Whether you realize it or not, workplaces are filled with people who have experienced
mental illnesses. Mental illnesses don’t mean that someone is no longer capable of working.
Some people benefit from changes at work to support their goals, but many people work
with few supports from their employer. Most people who experience serious mental
illnesses want to work but face systemic barriers to finding and keeping meaningful
employment.

Myth #9: Kids can’t have a mental illness like depression. Those
are adult problems
Fact: Even children can experience mental illnesses. In fact, many mental illnesses first
appear when a person is young. Mental illnesses may look different in children than in
adults, but they are a real concern. Mental illnesses can impact the way young people learn
and build skills, which can lead to challenges in the future. Unfortunately, many children
don’t receive the help they need.
Myth #10: Everyone gets depressed as they grow older. It’s just
part of the aging process.
Fact: Depression is never an inevitable part of aging. Older adults may have a greater risk
of depression because they experience so many changes in roles and social networks. If an
older adult experiences depression, they need the same support as anyone else.

These myths—and many more—exclude people with mental illnesses from our
communities and create barriers to well-being. If we want to reduce the impact of mental
illnesses on our communities, we need to learn the facts and start with our own
assumptions and behaviours.

What can I do about it?

Changing attitudes and behaviours takes time, and it might seem like one person can’t
possibly make a difference. Actually, we can all find small ways to help.

First, we can all think about where our information comes from. News stories, TV shows,
movies, and other media don’t necessarily give you the whole story. These stories are
usually sensational or shocking because that’s what sells—but they don’t necessarily
represent most people’s experiences. Thinking critically about where our information comes
from can help us separate sensational stories from balanced points of view.

Second, we can all support laws and practices in our communities that stop discrimination
against people with mental illnesses and promote inclusion.

Third, we can all spend time with people who experience mental illnesses to share and
learn from each other. This is best when everyone is in an equal position of power.
Volunteering with a community organization is a great way to connect with others.

Dispelling Myths On Mental Illness

By Sarah Powell | Jul. 17, 2015
Myth: Mental health conditions are uncommon.
Fact: Mental illness is more prevalent than many people think: One in five Americans
experiences it in their lifetime. One in twenty-five Americans experience a serious
mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more
major life activities. It can affect anyone, including all ages, races, income levels and
religions. These common conditions are medical, and can cause changes in how people
think and feel.
Myth: Mental illness is the result of bad parenting.
Fact: Children can, and do, have mental health conditions. Research shows that one in
five children between the ages of 13 and 18 have or will have a mental illness. In
fact, 50% of all lifetime cases begin by age 14. While environmental factors can affect a
person’s mental health, biological factors can affect individuals just as actively. Mental
health conditions are not simply a side effect of parenting, but a combination of
influences.
Myth: People are “faking it” or doing it for attention.
Fact: No one would choose to have a mental illness, just as no one would choose to
have a physical illness. The causes for mental health conditions are intensively studied
and they are real. For anyone living with a mental health condition, their specific
symptoms may not always be visible to an untrained observer. It can be challenging to
relate to what people with mental health conditions are going through, but that doesn’t
mean that their condition isn’t real.
Myth: Mental illness is caused by personal weakness.
Fact: Just like any major illness, mental illness is not the fault of the person who has a
mental health condition. It is caused by environmental and biological factors, not a result
of personal weakness. A stressful job or home life makes some people more
susceptible, as do traumatic life events like being the victim of a crime. Biochemical
processes and circuits as well as basic brain structure may play a role too.
Myth: Different races are more prone to mental illness.
Fact: All races and ethnicities are affected by the same rate of mental illness. There is
no single group of people more likely than others to have a mental health condition.
However, some people have cultural influences that may affect how they interpret
symptoms of a mental health condition that could prevent them from getting help. And
while the rates are the same, awareness of mental illness in varying minority groups is
important to highlight, as these groups often times get overlooked in the potential
differences of outcomes in mental illnesses.
Myth: You’re just sad, not depressed.
Fact: Depression is not something a person can will away. People often have the
misconception that a person can just “cheer up” or “shake it off.” It is not just “the blues,”
but a serious medical condition that affects the biological functioning of our bodies.
However, there are treatments like cognitive therapy or medication that can help
address the symptoms of depression.
Myth: You don’t need therapy. Just take a pill.
Fact: Everyone has different treatment needs. There is no one, right way to recovery.
While medication can help, it may not be the only thing a person needs to feel their
absolute best. Often a combination of therapy and medication provides the best
outcomes. You should speak with a mental health professional to help determine what’s
the best treatment plan.
Myth: People with mental illness can’t handle work or school.
Fact: Stressful situations can be difficult for all people, not just those who live with
mental illness. People with mental health conditions have jobs, go to school, and are
active members of their communities.
Myth: People with mental health conditions are violent and dangerous.
Fact: Having a mental health condition does not make a person more likely to be violent
or dangerous. The truth is, living with a mental health condition makes you more likely
to be a victim of violence, four times the rate of the general public. Studies have
shown that 1 in 4 individuals living with a mental health condition will experience some
form of violence in any given year.
Myth: Psychiatric disorders are not real medical issues.
Fact: Just as with heart disease and diabetes, mental illnesses are a legitimate medical
illness. Research shows there are genetic and environmental causes and similar to
other medical conditions, they can be treated effectively.
Myth: You can never get better from a mental illness.
Fact: Mental health issues are not always lifelong disorders. For example, some
depression and anxiety disorders only require a person to take medication for a short
period of time. Innovations in medicine and therapy have made recovery a reality for
people living with a mental health issue, even chronic conditions. While all symptoms
may not be alleviated easily or at all, with the right recovery plan, people can live the
productive and healthy lives they’ve always imagined.
Myth: If you feel better, you are cured.
Fact: For some people, after getting on the proper treatment plan, it can make you feel
much better. Many of your symptoms may go away, but this does not mean you’re
“cured.” The relief you feel is because of your treatment plan. In order to sustain your
mental health, you may need to continue treatment even after you feel better. It doesn’t
matter if you need to take medication short-term or long-term, you should never stop
taking medication, or change your treatment plan without talking about it with your
health provider first.
Symptoms of a mental health condition can come and go. There are often
environmental factors that can influence a way person feels. Additionally, there are also
just times when a person may exhibit symptoms more strongly.
Myth: People with mental illness are “damaged” and different.
Fact: A mental illness does not make someone any less of a person. They are not
broken or odd,; they just have different experiences that not everyone has to face.
Myth: A person can treat themselves with positive thought and prayer.
Fact: Positive thought, religion, and spirituality can be a powerful tool in recovery, but it
shouldn’t be the only form of treatment. The most effective treatment someone can
receive is one that is planned by their licensed health provider and themselves. If
someone would like to incorporate his or her religion and spirituality with their treatment
plan, they can look at NAMI’s FaithNet for additional resources.
Myth: You can’t help someone with mental illness.
Fact: Everyone can help those living with mental illness by speaking and acting in a way
that preserves personal dignity. If you are a part of removing mental illness stigma in
our society you are helping everyone affected by a condition. Two easy ways to do this
are:

 Using person-first language. This means that a person is not their illness; an
example would be saying “she has depression” not “she is depressed”
 Do not use offensive slang. A person with a mental health condition is not
“crazy,” “psycho,” “insane,” or “loony.” When you use these words you are
implying again that a person is solely their illness.

If you are directly in care of someone living with a mental illness you can:

 Learn as much as possible about mental health and your family member's
condition.
 Show interest in your family member's treatment plan.
 Encourage your family member to follow the treatment plan.
 Strive for an atmosphere of cooperation within the family.
 Listen carefully.
 Resume "normal" activities and routines.
 Don't push too hard.
 Find support.
 Express your support out loud.
 Keep yourself and your family member safe.
 Prepare a crisis plan
 Don't give up.

Myth: People with mental illnesses should be kept in institutions.

Fact: While not always the case in psychiatric history, today, the majority of people
living with mental illness do not need long-term hospitalization. A more comprehensive
and ever-expanding understanding of mental health conditions have progressed
treatments with respect and medical advancements. Like other disease, there are
periods of time where a person is particularly unwell and need a short hospital stay, but
very few stay longer than a week or two. Many people with mental health conditions live
productive, happy and healthy lives.
MYTHS & FACTS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS
Misconceptions about mental illness are pervasive and the lack of understanding can have serious
consequences for millions of people who have psychiatric illnesses. Do you know the difference
between fact and myth?
MYTH: Mental illness is rare

FACT: Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. In any given
year, more than five million Americans experience an acute episode of mental illness.

MYTH: Depression results from a personality weakness or character flaw. People who are
depressed can just snap out of it if they try hard enough.

FACT: A depressive disorder is an illness involving your body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way
you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. It has
nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function,
and medication and/or psychotherapy often helps people to recover. Without treatment, symptoms
can last for weeks and even years.

MYTH: People with severe mental illness are usually dangerous and violent.

FACT: Individuals with a mental illness are more likely to be a victim of crime than a perpetrator.
People suffering from psychiatric disorders tend to be passive and avoid others. Statistics show that
the incidence of violence in people who have a brain disorder is not much higher than it is in the
general population. Those suffering from a psychosis such as schizophrenia are more often
frightened, confused and despairing than violent.

MYTH: Asking a person about suicide will only increase their risk.

FACT: Asking someone directly about suicide intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and
lowers the risk of an impulsive act.

MYTH: Children do not experience mental health problems.

FACT: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These
mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of
biological, psychological and social factors. Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before
a person turns 14, and three-quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24. Unfortunately,
less than 20 percent of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive
the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems interfere with
other developmental needs.

MYTH: There is no hope or recovery for someone with a mental illness.

FACT: Studies show that people with mental health disorders get better and many recover
completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn and
participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support
systems than ever before, and they work.

Myths and facts

What comes to mind when you think ‘mental illness’?
There is probably a range of emotions, images and memories that this triggers for you, not all of which
may be positive.

There are many myths, misunderstandings, stereotypes and attitudes that surround mental illness. These
result in the judgement, discrimination, and isolation of people with mental illness, as well as their families
and carers.

Browse through the common myths and facts below to rethink mental illness.

Myth: Mental illness is incurable and lifelong.

Fact: With the right kind of help, treated appropriately and early, most people recover fully and have no
further episodes of illness. For others, mental illness may recur throughout their lives and require ongoing
treatment. This is the same as many physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. Like these
other long-term health conditions, mental illness can be managed so that individuals live life to the fullest.
Although some people become disabled as a result of ongoing mental illness, many who experience even
very major episodes of illness live full and productive lives.

Myth: People are born with a mental illness.

Fact: A vulnerability to some mental illnesses, such as bipolar mood disorder, can run in families. But
other people develop mental illness with no family history.
Many factors contribute to the onset of a mental illness. These may include stress, bereavement,
relationship breakdown, unemployment, social isolation, a major physical illness, physical and sexual
abuse, or disability. Our understanding of the causes of mental illness is growing.

Myth: Only certain types of people develop a mental illness.

Fact: As many as one in five Australians may develop a mental illness at some stage in their lives.
Everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems. It affects people regardless of age, education, income
or culture.
Myth: Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness.

Fact: A mental illness is not a character flaw. It is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological,
social and environmental factors. Seeking and accepting help is a sign of resilience and strength.
Myth: People with a mental illness are dangerous.

Fact: This false perception underlies some of the most damaging stereotypes for people with mental
illness. People with a mental illness are seldom dangerous. Even people with the most severe mental
illness, whose symptoms may cause them to act in bizarre or unusual ways, are rarely dangerous.
Myth: Mental illness is a form of intellectual disability or brain damage.
Fact: They are illnesses just like any other, such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma. Yet the
traditions of sympathy, support, and flowers given to people with physical illnesses are often denied to
those with a mental illness.
Myth: People with a mental illness can ‘pull themselves out of it’.

Fact: A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness and is not ‘cured’ by personal strength.
Myth: People with a mental illness should be isolated from the community.

Fact: Most people with a mental illness recover quickly and do not need hospital care. Others may have
short admissions to hospital for treatment. Only a very small number of people with mental illness (less
than 1 in 1000) need hospital care. Improvements in treatment over recent decades mean that most
people live in their communities, and there is no need for the confinement and isolation that was
commonly used in the past.

Mental Health Myths and Facts

Main page content
Can you tell the difference between a mental health myth and fact? Learn the truth about the most
common mental health myths.

Mental Health Problems Affect Everyone

Myth: Mental health problems don't affect me.
Fact: Mental health problems are actually very common. In 2014, about:

 One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue

 One in 10 young people experienced a period of major depression
 One in 25 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar
disorder, or major depression

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. It accounts for the loss of more than
41,000 American lives each year, more than double the number of lives lost to homicide. Learn more
about mental health problems.

Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems.

Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns. These
mental health problems are often clinically diagnosable, and can be a product of the interaction of
biological, psychological, and social factors.

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and three
quarters of mental health disorders begin before age 24.
Unfortunately, less than 20% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems
receive the treatment they need. Early mental health support can help a child before problems
interfere with other developmental needs.

Myth: People with mental health problems are violent and

unpredictable.
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than
anyone else. Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%–5% of violent acts can be
attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness. In fact, people with severe mental
illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don't even realize it, because many
people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.

Myth: People with mental health needs, even those who are
managing their mental illness, cannot tolerate the stress of
holding down a job.
Fact: People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees. Employers
who hire people with mental health problems report good attendance and punctuality as well as
motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees.

When employees with mental health problems receive effective treatment, it can result in:

 Lower total medical costs

 Increased productivity
 Lower absenteeism
 Decreased disability costs

Myth: Personality weakness or character flaws cause mental

health problems. People with mental health problems can snap
out of it if they try hard enough.
Fact: Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need
help to get better. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:

 Biological factors, such as genes, physical illness, injury, or brain chemistry

 Life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse
  Family history of mental health problems

People with mental health problems can get better and many recovercompletely.

Helping Individuals with Mental Health Problems

Myth: There is no hope for people with mental health problems.
Once a friend or family member develops mental health problems,
he or she will never recover.
Fact: Studies show that people with mental health problems get better and many recover
completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and
participate fully in their communities. There are more treatments, services, and community support
systems than ever before, and they work.

Myth: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother

when you can just take a pill?
Fact: Treatment for mental health problems varies depending on the individual and could include
medication, therapy, or both. Many individuals work with a support system during the healing and
recovery process.

Myth: I can't do anything for a person with a mental health

problem.
Fact: Friends and loved ones can make a big difference. Only 44% of adults with diagnosable
mental health problems and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive needed treatment.
Friends and family can be important influences to help someone get the treatment and services they
need by:

 Reaching out and letting them know you are available to help
 Helping them access mental health services
 Learning and sharing the facts about mental health, especially if you hear something that isn't
true
 Treating them with respect, just as you would anyone else
 Refusing to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as "crazy"
Myth: Prevention doesn't work. It is impossible to prevent mental
illnesses.
Fact: Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk
factors such as exposure to trauma that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young
adults will develop mental health problems. Promoting the social-emotional well-being of children
and youth leads to:

 Higher overall productivity

 Better educational outcomes
 Lower crime rates
 Stronger economies
 Lower health care costs
 Improved quality of life
 Increased lifespan
 Improved family life

Myths and facts

There are many different myths about mental health problems
and they often contribute to the stigma that many people still
face. It’s so important that we challenge these myths so we can
understand the real facts around a mental illness.

Myth
1 of 6
Mental health problems are rare.

Fact
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1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem, which means someone

you know may be struggling with mental illness.

Learn about different mental health problems

Myth
2 of 6
I can’t do anything to support someone with a mental health problem.
Fact
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There are lots of things you can do to make a difference to their life:

• Check in

• Listen and don’t judge

• Treat them in the same way

• Ask Twice

Find out how you can be there for someone struggling

Myth
3 of 6
People with mental illness aren’t able to work.

Fact
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People with a mental illness can hold down a successful job. We all probably
work with someone experiencing a mental health problem.

Read personal stories from people who have experienced

mental illness

Myth
4 of 6
You can’t recover from mental health problems.

Fact
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They might not go away forever but lots of people with mental health problems
still work, have families and lead full lives.
 Read personal stories from people who have experienced
mental illness

Myth
5 of 6
People with mental illness are usually violent and unpredictable.

Fact
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Most people with mental health problems, even those with severe ones like
schizophrenia, are not violent. Someone with a mental illness is more likely to
be a victim of violence than inflict it.

Read more about violence and mental health

Myth
6 of 6
Young people just go through ups and downs as part of puberty – it’s nothing.

Fact
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1 in 8 young people will experience a mental health problem.

Find out more about how to support a young person with a

mental health problem