Myths and Facts About Mental Illness

Myth: Mental Illness Cannot Affect Me.

Fact: Nobody is immune to mental illness. It can affect anyone anywhere at any time.

Myth: Mental Illness Is Not a Serious Health Issue.

Fact: Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Americans and is more common than cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Roughly 5 million American families are affected by a serious form of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

Myth: Mental Illness Is a Sign of Weak Character.

Fact: Mental illnesses are caused by biological imbalances in the brain which can be effectively treated with medications and therapy.

Myth: People with Mental Illnesses Are Dangerous and Capable of Violence.

Fact: People with mental illnesses are no more violent than anybody else and are more likely to be the victims of violent crime, rather than the perpetrators.

Myth: People with Schizophrenia Have Split Personalities.

Fact: Schizophrenia is a disorder caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. A person with schizophrenia may have trouble distinguishing reality from fantasy, may have unusual delusions and hallucinations, and is likely to be socially and emotionally withdrawn. It is not the same thing as a split personality. Having more than one personality is a characteristic of Dissociative Disorder, which is not the same thing as Schizophrenia.

Myth: Mental Illness Is Similar to Mental Retardation.

Fact: Mental illness and mental retardation are two entirely different and unrelated disorders. Retardation is characterized by limitations on intellectual functioning and social difficulties, whereas mental illness can affect those with varying intellectual capacities.

Myth: People with Mental Illnesses Cannot Lead Productive Lives.

Fact: Mental illnesses are treatable and most people who have them are able to live healthy and successful lives. Unfortunately, myths and stereotypes regarding people with mental illnesses still exist within mainstream society. To learn more about stigma, click here.

Myth:  People with mental illnesses look "crazy."   

Fact: People with mental illnesses look just like the rest of us