1. 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

2. 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

3. So, what are your beliefs about
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?

4. People with mental disorders are usually violent
People with mental disorders are too incompetent to make decisions for themselves.

5. 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

6. REALITY
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)

7. REALITY
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

8. 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

9. Mental disorder is caused by the stresses of everyday life
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

10. REALITY
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

11. Treatments are not usually effective
People who are mentally ill will not get better
Mental illnesses are too difficult to treat

12. Psychiatric medications are addictive
Vitamins and rest are effective treatments for mental disorders.

13. REALITY 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

14. REALITY 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