MISCONCEPTIONSABOUT

ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

What is Stigma?

The negative reaction of people to an individual or group because of some assumed inferiority or source of difference that is degraded

People with mental illness often feel diminished, devalued, and fearful because of the negative attitude

society holds toward them

This causes people suffering from mental health problems to not seek the

help they need to recover

“This disease comes with a package: shame. When any other part of your body gets sick, you get sympathy.” ~ Ruby Wax

Mental Health Problems Cannot Affect Me

Mental health problems are actually very common

1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health issue

1 in 10 young people experience a period of major depression

1 in 20 Americans live with a serious mental illness

You probably know someone with a mental health problem. You may not even realize it.

MYTH:

Mental Health Problems Cannot Affect Children

Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns

Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old

Less than 20% of children/adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the

treatment they need

More than 6 million young people in America suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts

their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community

MYTH:

People with Mental Health Problems are Violent

Most people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else

Only 3% - 5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a

serious mental illness

People with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the

general population

Most people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of the community

In cases when violence does occur, the incident typically results from the same reasons as with the

general public, such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs

Those suffering from a psychosis are more often frightened, confused and despairing than violent

MYTH:

Mental Health Problems Only Affect the Weak, and People with Privilege Cannot Experience Mental Health Problems

MYTH:

Mental health problems have nothing to do with being lazy, weak, privileged or poor

Mental health problems have a variety of causes, such as biological and environmental factors, and can affect anyone

People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely

Great strength, determination, and proper help are required in order to recover from mental

illnesses

People with Mental Health Problems Cannot Lead Normal Lives and Should be Institutionalized

MYTH:

Most people with mental health problems can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of therapies, support programs, and/or medications

People with mental illnesses can, and do, recover to resume normal activities

People with mental health problems are just as productive as other employees

Often employers report good attendance, punctuality, motivation, work ethic, and job tenure

People with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation

There is No Hope for People withMental Health Problems

MYTH:

People with mental health problems get better and many recover completely

Recovery: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 are effective

I Cannot Help a Person with aMental Health Problems

MYTH:

Friends and loved ones can make a big difference

Only 38% 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 there for them

Help them access mental health services

Learning and sharing the facts about mental health

Treating them with respect

Refuse to define them by their diagnosis or using labels such as ‘crazy’

Addiction is a Lifestyle Choice and show a lack of Willpower and Strength

MYTH:

Addiction is a disease that generally results from changes in brain chemistry

It has nothing to do with being a "bad" person

Being Suicidal is Crazy

MYTH:

Suicidal feelings are most often symptoms of depression or a related mood disorder

Feeling suicidal does not make you any more or less crazy than anybody else

Suicidal feelings go away once you begin to receive adequate care for your depression or other mood disorder