MENTAL HEALTH
& HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
> The Stigma of Mental Illness
Myths and Realities of Mental Illness
Dr. Stan Kutcher and Dr. Sonia Chehil © Dalhousie University, March 2007
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
Your beliefs inform the way you act
So, what are your beliefs about
Causes of
mental illness?
People with a
mental illness?
Treatments of
mental illness?
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
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)
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
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.
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
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